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Freelance Optical Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Collaborate with engineers from L1 optical engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables ...

Key job responsibilities As an Optical Network Development Engineer working within AWS Infrastructure you will: • Build, Operate and rollout our global DWDM networks • Drive scaling current DWDM ...

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Freelance Optical Network Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do freelance optical network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance optical network engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Freelance Optical Network Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Optical Network Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Optical Network Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Network Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Network Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Optical Network Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Optical Network Engineer jobs include:
Optical Network Development Engineer, Core Networking

Optical Network Development Engineer, Core Networking

Amazon

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,874 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

If you like to work with new technologies and optimizing existing technology have experience participating in network/systems support for a large-scale enterprise or service provider environment, we would like to meet you. Your work will play a key role in driving the stability and sustainability of next-generation IP networks.
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain - and we're looking for talented people who want to help.
You'll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You'll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you'll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
The Core Networking team is looking for an Optical Network Development Engineer to join our Inter-DC & Optical team. As an Optical Network Development Engineer, you will be responsible for building, deploying and scaling the Amazon networks that support AWS, customers, and other business units, across multiple global datacenters.
AWS Core Networking is focused on building Data Centers and the network that allows Data Centers to function efficiently. They own the solutions that allow racks to be aggregated and Data Centers to be interconnected. Core Networking's goal is to balance efficiency, performance and reliability to allow customers access to their applications and data.
Key job responsibilities
Optical Network Development Engineers perform high quality network and/or systems operations, deployments, scaling, technology refresh, sustaining engineering, best practices application, optimization, internal/external customer interactions, and produce appropriate technical documentation.
• Create and implement changes on the network.
• Work closely with our automation teams in defining the tools that allow us to scale at higher volume.
• Lead network projects in the areas of network sustaining engineering, network deployment/implementation, network scaling, technology refresh, best practices application, and/or network optimization.
• Sustain Amazon Web Services' next generation networks for significant AWS customers by providing critical network support to diagnose, mitigate impact, and resolve large-scale networking events.
• Operate and troubleshoot network routing, interconnectivity, platforms, performance, and configurations issues; including necessary low-level application interaction, Unix systems, and new age networking software tools.
• Drive and support innovation from Top of Rack to the Network Border and everything in between.
• Partner with our broader Network/Infrastructure organization in the areas of network engineering, configurations standards, and tools.
• Work closely with our Network/Systems/Software Engineering teams to ensure fast, smooth roll-out of new designs and products, as well as assist with deployment and sustaining of networking software tools.
• Maintain standards across the networking toolset and ensure that we are fully compliant to those standards and policies.
• Deliver simple, sustainable and repeatable solutions and processes.
• Collaborate with highest tier escalation engineers/resolvers.
• Create and review documentation and process regarding network implementation/deployments, recurring issues, new standard operating procedures, knowledge transfer material, etc.
A day in the life
Optical Network Development Engineers perform high quality network and/or systems operations, deployments, scaling, technology refresh, sustaining engineering, best practices application, optimization, internal/external customer interactions, and produce appropriate technical documentation.
• Create and implement changes on the network.
• Work closely with our automation teams in defining the tools that allow us to scale at higher volume.
• Lead network projects in the areas of network sustaining engineering, network deployment/implementation, network scaling, technology refresh, best practices application, and/or network optimization.
• Sustain Amazon Web Services' next generation networks for significant AWS customers by providing critical network support to diagnose, mitigate impact, and resolve large-scale networking events.
• Operate and troubleshoot network routing, interconnectivity, platforms, performance, and configurations issues; including necessary low-level application interaction, Unix systems, and new age networking software tools.
• Drive and support innovation from Top of Rack to the Network Border and everything in between.
• Partner with our broader Network/Infrastructure organization in the areas of network engineering, configurations standards, and tools.
• Work closely with our Network/Systems/Software Engineering teams to ensure fast, smooth roll-out of new designs and products, as well as assist with deployment and sustaining of networking software tools.
• Maintain standards across the networking toolset and ensure that we are fully compliant to those standards and policies.
• Deliver simple, sustainable and repeatable solutions and processes.
• Collaborate with highest tier escalation engineers/resolvers.
• Create and review documentation and process regarding network implementation/deployments, recurring issues, new standard operating procedures, knowledge transfer material, etc.
About the team
Engineers in the Core Networking team have a wide range of responsibilities. In terms of product development and delivery, it covers all activities related to hardware and software development, cross-platforms and software integration, and transition to production for both inhouse commodity and OEM optical platforms. From the lifecycle support perspective, includes day to day operations on-call, sustaining engineering, operational load automation and reduction, product and network security, network data integrity and authoritativeness, availability assurance (SRLG monitoring) and improvement (OLP, RFTS) and fiber infrastructure and vendor performance management. Our engineers not only make decisions on day-to-day work but they also own the long-term strategic view, they build strong partnership with customers to understand their immediate and future needs, their use cases and the things that we/they are not even thinking about so we make sure our solutions will fit into their needs. They bring perspective and context to influence the way we make technology and design choices, how we develop and deliver products that are right sized, fungible and future proof at the optimum cost per bit. They understand the business impact of their recommendations and show good judgment in decision making as we consider technical trade-offs between the immediate short-term technology solutions, operational needs and the long-term business needs.
About the team
AWS Core Networking is focused on building Data Centers and the network that allows Data Centers to function efficiently. We own the solutions that allow racks to be aggregated and Data Centers to be interconnected. Core Networking's goal is to balance efficiency, performance and reliability to allow customers access to their applications and data.
Our current network size is >10Pbps of inter data center traffic over >30k devices worldwide and our team is structured to create and evolve these products and solutions while providing highly available, secure and scalable transport for multiple customer fabrics globally.
The team is responsible for the development, delivery and lifecycle support of the optical products used to interconnect AWS Data Centers and PoPs (Point of presence), ensuring diversity of supply and continually lowering data transfer cost for customers. This product portfolio serves a broad customer base and is primarily used to transport Core (EC2 & Prod) and Border (Internet) traffic in and across all but a few AWS commercial and ADC regions globally. Our current network size is >10Pbps of inter data center traffic over >30k devices worldwide and our team is structured to create and evolve these products and solutions while providing highly available, secure and scalable transport for multiple customer fabrics globally.
Meet Matt, VP, Core Networking https://youtu.be/DqTStjRtjX4
Meet Kensie, Network Development Engineer https://youtu.be/ezF3kpUAhWU
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science
- 4+ years experience with the rollout and maintenance of large DWDM Networks and Optical Network Technologies
- 4+ years of experience with optical planning and modeling tools.
- 4+ years of experience with optical network design and troubleshooting.
- 1+ years of professional development experience with Python or a similar tool for network automation scripting.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- In depth working knowledge of IP Networking fundamentals.
- In depth Unix experience and the ability to script/program in python or a similar scripting language.
- Knowledge of L2 and L3 routing.
- A relevant degree in a related technical discipline or equivalent experience in a large - scale network environment.
- Expert network analysis fundamentals and robust troubleshooting skills.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, WA, Seattle - 136,000.00 - 184,000.00 USD annually

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US