Freelance Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

We are seeking a highly skilled Network Engineer with expertise in either Voice Networking or Data Networking to support and maintain a large-scale enterprise network environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge across complex network infrastructures, exceptional troubleshooting abilities, and experience supporting mission-critical environments such as universities, healthcare systems, or other large enterprise organizations.

This individual will be responsible for the engineering, administration, maintenance, monitoring, and optimization of voice and data networks across the organization. The role requires a combination of hands-on technical expertise, strategic planning, project leadership, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable and secure network operations.

• Design, implement, maintain, and support complex enterprise voice and data networks.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for network, voice, wireless, and connectivity issues.
• Monitor network performance and proactively identify potential service disruptions or hardware failures.
• Analyze system health and implement corrective actions to ensure optimal performance and uptime.
• Serve as a technical consultant on complex networking and telecommunications initiatives.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement approved network solutions that align with business objectives.

• Support enterprise voice environments including:
  • VoIP
  • SIP/RTP
  • TDM technologies
  • PBX systems (NEC experience preferred)
• Troubleshoot call quality, routing, signaling, and voice infrastructure issues.

• Configure and support Cisco-based routing and switching environments.
• Manage and troubleshoot network routing protocols including:
  • OSPF
  • BGP/iBGP
• Support enterprise LAN/WAN environments.
• Maintain structured cabling infrastructure involving both fiber and copper technologies.

• Support optical networking solutions including:
  • DWDM
  • CWDM
  • Cisco ONS15454 platforms
• Support and troubleshoot enterprise wireless networking technologies.

• Administer DNS and DHCP services utilizing:
  • BIND
  • Infoblox
• Utilize network monitoring and management tools such as:
  • Intermapper
  • Netdisco
  • Cisco Prime Infrastructure
• Support load balancing technologies and related infrastructure.

• Lead and participate in network infrastructure projects of significant complexity and scope.
• Develop implementation plans, timelines, resource requirements, and task assignments.
• Coordinate project activities, stakeholder communication, and status reporting.
• Participate in structured change management processes, including impact assessments and implementation planning.
• Perform maintenance activities during designated change windows, including occasional off-hours work.

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience supporting enterprise-level voice and/or data networking environments.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Enterprise LAN/WAN architecture
  • Routing and switching technologies
  • Cisco networking platforms
  • DNS/DHCP services
  • Network troubleshooting and performance optimization
• Experience with network management and monitoring tools.
• Ability to diagnose complex networking issues and develop effective solutions.
• Strong communication, documentation, and project coordination skills.

• Experience supporting large-scale University, Healthcare, or Hospital network environments.
• Advanced expertise in either:
  • Voice Networking (VoIP, SIP, RTP, TDM, PBX), or
  • Data Networking (Routing, Switching, Optical Networking, Wireless)
• Experience with:
  • DWDM/CWDM technologies
  • Cisco ONS15454
  • Infoblox
  • Load balancers
  • Cisco Prime Infrastructure
  • Intermapper
  • Netdisco
• Cisco certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent.

• Enterprise LAN/WAN
• Cisco Routing & Switching
• OSPF / BGP / iBGP
• DNS / DHCP
• Network Monitoring & Management
• Optical Networking
• Wireless Technologies
• Network Troubleshooting
• Change Management
• Project Leadership

• VoIP
• SIP/RTP
• TDM
• NEC PBX Systems

• CCNA Certification
• Cisco Routers
• Wireless Networking
• Load Balancers
• Optical Transport Networks

• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong customer service orientation
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Effective project management and organizational skills
• Leadership and decision-making capabilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochester, NY.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $47.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Rochester,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 23, 2026.

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

We’re a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We’re a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We’re strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We’re building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.