1

Fiber Design Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Zayo is seeking a Fiber Engineer to be responsible for the solution and design of physical fiber ... Design routes for fiber-based services including Point to point, Ring, and path diverse routing.

Install and route fiber trunks and jumpers per the pathways plan, maintaining bend radius, pull tension, and proper support/strain relief. * Perform fiber termination/splicing and enclosure work ...

Proficiencywith fiber cable design and engineering * BICSI RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer) or BICSI Installer 2 certification * CompTIA Network+ or equivalent networking ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Fiber Design Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$26

$48

$74

How much do fiber design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for fiber design engineer in Washington, DC is $48.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $56.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fiber design engineer?

Fiber Design Engineers are professionals who plan, design, and oversee the installation of fiber optic networks for telecommunications, internet, and data services. They create detailed network layouts, select appropriate materials, and ensure designs meet industry standards and client specifications. Their work involves collaborating with construction teams, conducting site surveys, and using specialized software to optimize network performance. Fiber Design Engineers play a crucial role in expanding high-speed internet and communication infrastructure.

What does a fiber design engineer do?

A fiber design engineer, also known as an outside plant engineer (OSP), is a telecommunications engineer who designs optic cable systems. Your responsibilities include fiber design and its allocation, developing route maps for cable and assessing the terrain through which your cabling must pass, creating budgets for projects, determining the types of materials necessary to complete orders, and ensuring you have the right inventory for each project. Your designs and analyses are then passed off to a contractor or project manager who implements your designs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fiber design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fiber Design Engineer, you need a solid background in telecommunications engineering, fiber optic network design, and a relevant degree such as electrical or civil engineering. Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, GIS systems, and knowledge of industry standards (e.g., ITU, ANSI) are typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These capabilities ensure the accurate planning, implementation, and maintenance of reliable, high-performance fiber optic networks.

What are some common challenges faced by fiber design engineers during project execution?

Fiber Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, navigating complex permitting processes, and adapting designs to site-specific constraints like existing infrastructure or geographical obstacles. Balancing cost efficiency with network performance requirements and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards are also central to the role. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the engineer frequently collaborates with construction teams, local authorities, and clients to keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Fiber Design Engineer vs Optical Network Engineer?

AspectFiber Design EngineerOptical Network Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Telecom Engineering, certifications like CCNA, Fiber Optic certificationsBachelor's in Electrical/Telecom Engineering, certifications like CCNA, Fiber Optic certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning fiber optic networks, planning layouts, and specificationsImplementing, troubleshooting, and maintaining optical networks
Industry UsageTelecom, internet service providers, network infrastructureTelecom, data centers, network service providers

While both roles require similar technical credentials and work within the telecom and network industries, a Fiber Design Engineer primarily focuses on designing fiber optic networks, whereas an Optical Network Engineer handles the deployment, troubleshooting, and maintenance of these networks.

How much do fiber design engineers make?

Fiber design engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in optical fiber technology and certifications can lead to higher compensation, especially in specialized or high-demand environments.

What are popular job titles related to Fiber Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Fiber Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fiber Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Fiber Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Fiber Design Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,325 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Zayo provides mission-critical bandwidth to the world's most impactful companies, fueling the innovations that are transforming our society. Zayo's 141,000-mile network in North America and Europe includes extensive metro connectivity to thousands of buildings and data centers. Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media, tech, content, finance, healthcare and other large enterprises.
Zayo is seeking a Fiber Engineer to be responsible for the solution and design of physical fiber paths across the Zayo network in support of providing fiber-based services. Projects may encompass high volume large projects including FTT and various ring designs, fiber inventory management, Greenfield builds, technical splicing solutions, network relocations, and capacity augments/grooms. The Fiber Engineer works with large data sets and formal project planning over a long-term period of months, or years. Manages the inventory of the Zayo fiber network through database tracking of fiber enclosures, fiber optic cable, conduit, building data, and more. The Fiber Engineer will report to the Fiber Engineering Manager, with regular interaction from the Outside Plant Team, Network Inventory Specialists, Sales Engineering, and other Network Engineers. This position will be part of a regional break fix team. Primarily focused on troubleshooting and directing repairs on Zayo OSP fiber.
This is a Second Shift Position.
Work Authorization Requirement: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, such as OPT, TN, H1B or any other type of work visa, now or in the future.
Location: Preference to Central or East coast USA
Responsibilities:
  • Design routes for fiber-based services including Point to point, Ring, and path diverse routing.
  • Research existing databases, files, and records for purposes of network design, fiber optimization, and relocation of fiber facilities.
  • Deliver design solutions of fiber path and complicated splicing schematics to be performed for high volume fiber projects.
  • Ensure fiber plant database is current and accurate by inputting physical fiber asset data as well as fiber inventory and circuit assignments into the data management system, specifically GE Smallworld and Salesforce.
  • Ensure inventory of fiber utilization is accurate by maintaining inventory management database and maintaining both internal and external customer information as changes occur.
  • Assign cable names, splice ID's, and manages our Splice Activity & Order processes in alignment with our company and database standards.
  • Interface between various engineers and Zayo stakeholders as needed to validate project specifications, network growth, and delivery timelines.
  • Establish and maintain effective communications and professional working relationships with customers both internal and external.
  • Organize workday efficiently to maximize productivity by utilizing proper time management techniques.
  • Assist in the accomplishment of company objectives by performing other related duties as assigned.
  • Lead and manage the planning and execution of outside plant break/fix from inception to completion.
  • Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets for projects as required.
  • Coordinate with internal teams (engineering, construction, design) and external stakeholders (clients, vendors, contractors) to ensure SLA objectives are met.
  • Oversee OSP activities, including fiber placement, splicing coordination, make-ready support, restoration, and maintenance.
  • Ensure work aligns with construction prints, permits, and engineering specifications
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing project conditions.
  • Knowledge of safety regulations, quality control, and construction standards in OSP projects
  • Will be part of an on-call rotation for holidays and weekends.

Qualifications:
  • Four-year college Degree in Engineering or equivalent Telecom Network Experience required.
  • Minimum of three (3) years fiber design experience that includes ring configurations, FTT projects, and various high volume site deliveries required.
  • Well qualified candidate will have proven aptitude to prioritize tasks and timelines while cross functioning in a fast-paced environment independently.
  • Proficiency in the MS Office suite of tools, in particular MS Visio and Excel. Knowledge of Salesforce.com platform is a plus.
  • Must have prior experience in telecom and fiber plant install. Splicing experience preferred
  • Knowledge of GIS-based platforms and fiber inventory systems. GE Smallworld, IQ Geo and OSPinsight experience preferred.
  • Must have Google Earth experience - understands how to produce a professional and detailed KMZ file and can interpret outside plant construction KMZ's.
  • Ability to correspond effectively with a variety of functional teams and strong interpersonal skills for supporting cross functional teams.
  • Proficient analytical, organizational, and time management skills, including the ability to effectively multi-task assignments.
  • Well qualified candidates will possess a work ethic that includes extreme attention to detail and strong organizational skills; including project management, effective communication skills while handling high volume projects, and proven ability to execute in fast-paced environments.
  • Successful candidates have ability to work quickly and efficiently without sacrificing data quality.
  • Must be able to translate information from the field, including raw OTDR data into plans of action
  • Must have extensive knowledge of EXFO Fast Reporter 3 software

Estimated Base Salary Range: $53,300.00 - $82,000.00 USD/annually.
The base pay range shown is a guideline and reasonable estimate for this role. It takes into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions. Actual compensation offered may vary from the posted range based upon geographic location, work experience, skill level, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Non- sales roles may be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive plan. Sales roles may be eligible to participate in a sales incentive plan.
Additionally, this position may be eligible for certain benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, disability retirement plans, paid time off.
The posting will be active for a minimum of 3 days. The active posting will continue to extend by 3 days until the position is filled.
Benefits, Rewards & Wellness
  • Excellent Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Retirement 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Generous paid time off policy including paid parental leave

Zayo is an equal opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
As part of the application, hiring, onboarding, and/or employment process, Zayo or its affiliates, partners, and vendors may collect, store, and use biometric identifiers and biometric information (collectively, "Biometric Data"), such as fingerprints, facial geometry scans or other unique biological characteristics. Zayo uses CLEAR1, a third-party identity verification service, to verify applicant identity during the hiring process. CLEAR1 may collect Biometric Data, including facial geometry scans and/or other biometric identifiers, to authenticate your identity. Biometric Data will be retained pursuant to CLEAR1's policies, which can be found here: https://www.clearme.com/clear1-credential-policy-crp. Zayo will not sell, lease, trade, or otherwise profit from any applicant's or employee's Biometric Data. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge this disclosure. Prior to any collection of Biometric Data - including through CLEAR - you may be presented with a separate consent form and asked to provide your written authorization in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), the Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI), and other applicable biometric privacy statutes.