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Freelance Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Arizona

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Chandler, AZ ยท On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for ... The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business segment of VIAVI leverages its core ...

Senior Transportation Engineer

Flagstaff, AZ ยท On-site

$76K - $114K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Fiber Optic Network Assists in the development, maintenance and operation of computerized ... Represents City engineering concerns and coordination at Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT ...

OSP Project Manager

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • PTO

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, utility maps, and construction plans. * Experience using GPS equipment and fiber network mapping software. * Understanding of fiber optic cable ...

Splicer

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$21.50 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join us and be a key player in expanding and optimizing our fiber optic network to provide reliable ... From design, engineering and locating, to aerial and underground construction and fiber-to-the-home ...

Senior Software Engineer I

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space ... Experience in building deep learning neural network for computer vision, image processing, or video ...

Accurately document network infrastructure and design. * Perform systems engineering, design ... Ability to properly identify various fiber optic cables and optics (LC, SC, FC, Single Mode ...

FIBER SPLICER TECHNICIAN

Yuma, AZ ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Troubleshoot, isolate, and repair fiber optic network issues, including high-loss events, broken ... engineering documents, test results, and as-built documentation. * Coordinate with the Foreman ...

Troubleshoot, isolate, and repair fiber optic network issues, including high-loss events, broken ... engineering documents, test results, and as-built documentation. * Coordinate with the Foreman ...

Senior Telecom Engineer-Mission Critical

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role will focus on designing robust fiber optic and copper cabling systems, network ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing and best practice development within ...

Senior Telecom Engineer-Mission Critical

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role will focus on designing robust fiber optic and copper cabling systems, network ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing and best practice development within ...

Senior Telecom Engineer-Mission Critical

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role will focus on designing robust fiber optic and copper cabling systems, network ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing and best practice development within ...

Senior Telecom Engineer-Mission Critical

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role will focus on designing robust fiber optic and copper cabling systems, network ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing and best practice development within ...

Senior Telecom Engineer-Mission Critical

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role will focus on designing robust fiber optic and copper cabling systems, network ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing and best practice development within ...

Reviews Network Design and oversees hardware logistics for Enterprise Fiber projects. * Works ... Partners with local technicians to upgrade existing switching, routing, and optical platforms ...

Senior Telecom Engineer-Mission Critical

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role will focus on designing robust fiber optic and copper cabling systems, network ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing and best practice development within ...

Senior Software Engineer I

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space ... Experience in building deep learning neural network for computer vision, image processing, or video ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Optical Network Engineer information

Are optical network engineers in demand?

Optical network engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing expansion of fiber optic infrastructure and the need for high-speed data transmission. They are often required to have skills in network design, troubleshooting, and certifications such as Cisco or Juniper, making their expertise valuable in telecommunications and data center environments.

What is a freelance optical network engineer?

A Freelance Optical Network Engineer is a specialized professional who designs, implements, and maintains optical communication networks on a contract or project basis, rather than as a full-time employee. They work with technologies such as fiber optics, DWDM, and network hardware to ensure high-speed data transmission. Their clients may include telecom companies, internet service providers, or large enterprises with complex network needs. Freelance engineers often manage multiple projects, providing flexibility and expertise tailored to specific client requirements.

What is the difference between Freelance Optical Network Engineer vs Optical Network Technician?

AspectFreelance Optical Network EngineerOptical Network Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNA, Fiber Optic certifications), technical degreeTechnical certifications, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentProject-based, client sites, remote consultingFieldwork, installation sites, maintenance facilities
Employer & Industry UsageIndependent contractors, consulting firms, telecom companiesTelecom providers, network service companies
Search & Comparison IntentDesign, planning, troubleshooting of optical networksInstallation, repair, maintenance of optical equipment

The main difference is that Freelance Optical Network Engineers focus on designing and troubleshooting optical networks on a project basis, often working remotely or as consultants. Optical Network Technicians primarily handle installation, maintenance, and repair tasks on-site. Both roles require technical knowledge, but the engineer's role is more strategic and design-oriented, while technicians focus on operational tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance optical network engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Optical Network Engineer, you need a deep understanding of fiber optic networking, network design, and troubleshooting, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as OTDRs, DWDM systems, and certifications like Cisco CCNP or Juniper JNCIP-Optical are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and self-management skills distinguish top professionals in this freelance role. These skills ensure reliable network performance, successful project delivery, and client satisfaction in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

How do freelance optical network engineers typically collaborate with client teams during projects?

Freelance Optical Network Engineers often work closely with client IT and network operations teams to understand project requirements, design solutions, and oversee implementation. Communication is typically managed through regular virtual meetings, status reports, and collaborative documentation tools. While freelancers may work remotely, they are expected to be responsive and proactive in addressing technical issues, integrating feedback from stakeholders, and ensuring seamless handoffs. Building strong professional relationships and maintaining clear communication is essential for successful project delivery and future opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Network Engineer jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Optical Network Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Optical Network Engineer jobs in Arizona?

For Freelance Optical Network Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Freelance Optical Network Engineer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Freelance Optical Network Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Optical Network Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Viavi Solutions

Chandler, AZ โ€ข On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Summary:

Job Description Summary
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Advanced Optical Development Group

SUMMARY

VIAVI Solutions has a 100+ year history of technical innovations that have evolved to keep pace and address our customers' most pressing business issues. We make equipment, software, and systems that help to plan, deploy, certify, monitor, and optimize all kinds of networks - like those for mobile phones, service providers, large businesses and data centers. VIAVI is also a leader in high performance thin film optical coatings and engineered diffusers, providing light management technologies to the bank note security, consumer electronics, automotive, defense and instrumentation markets.

The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business segment of VIAVI leverages its core technology strengths of optics, vacuum coatings, and materials science to deliver innovative and differentiated technologies that manipulate light to improve the performance of sensors, to shape light from high performance light sources, and to create unique visual effects. With over seven decades of experience in optical coating technology, VIAVI OSP is a customer focused, market driven enterprise serving attractive and sustainable market sectors including banknote security, consumer electronics, automotive, industrial, and defense/aerospace. VIAVI OSP's customers include global

The Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, analysis, and testing of complex mechanical systems that integrate optical components such as filters, lenses, lasers, and sensors. This role is crucial in ensuring precise alignment, stability, and thermal management to optimize optical performance across various applications, from aerospace/defense to handheld spectrometers and consumer electronics. They will work with various cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet stringent performance, safety, and manufacturability requirements.Additionally, the Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer may support development and commercialization efforts for other products and applications that leverage VIAVI's proprietary vacuum deposition capabilities.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and development of opto-mechanical systems, including conceptualization, feasibility studies, detailed design, prototyping, and testing.

  • Create detailed mechanical engineering drawings and layouts, ensuring proper application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and adhering to relevant design standards (e.g., ISO, MIL specifications).

  • Lead or participate in the entire design process, including requirements specification, feasibility studies, conceptual and detailed design.

  • Perform engineering analysis to understand the impact of loads and environmental factors (structural, thermal, vibration) on the optical/mechanical system performance.

  • Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g. SolidWorks Simulation) for structural, thermal, and vibration modeling of complex assemblies.

  • Conduct tolerance stack-up analyses, potentially including Monte Carlo analysis, to verify design capability within manufacturing and operational conditions.

  • Apply optical modeling software (e.g., Zemax) to simulate and optimize optical performance under various conditions. Extensive knowledge of optical design tools is not required but highly desirable.

  • Work with manufacturing teams to break down complex assemblies into logical subassemblies and subprocesses, considering manufacturing capabilities, cost, and requirements.

  • Interact with customers and suppliers, presenting technical information, and contributing to technical reviews.

  • Travel 10% for in-person meetings with customers

  • Position reports out of Santa Rosa

Background/Experience:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with greater than 5 years' experience in opto-mechanical design.

  • In-depth knowledge of precision mechanical design principles, including kinematic design, adhesives, vacuum technology, and precision machining.

  • High proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoDesk, Creo, etc. and experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation) for structural, thermal, and vibration analysis.

  • Strong understanding of optical principles, including geometrical optics, physical optics (ray aberrations, waves, diffraction), and lasers. Experience with optical design software and ray tracing (e.g., Zemax, Code V)

  • Must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. "Green Card Holder"), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.