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Intern Optical Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Network Engineer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$146K - $189K/yr

Optical Network Engineer / DWDM Network Operations Specialist Term : Long Term Contract Location : Arlington, Virginia (Onsite) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Optical Network ...

New

Role: Optical Network Engineer Location: Fremont, CA Salary: $110-120k Role Description: Deployment Engineer working on Backbone Network capacity deployment. This role will be focused on network ...

Optical Engineer

$132K - $170K/yr

Optical Network Engineer III W2 Only - No Sponsorship Offered Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Optical Network Engineer III to join our team. This role is responsible for ...

Optical Network Engineer III

Charlotte, NC ยท On-site

$126K - $163K/yr

Job#: 3043766 Optical Network Engineer III Location: Remote based in Charlotte, NC Role Overview We are seeking an Optical Network Engineer with a strong background in the telecommunications industry.

Optical Network Engineer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$66 - $68/hr

Optical DWDM Expertise: Deep technical understanding and hands-on experience with the rollout of large DWDM networks, optical network technologies, and optical planning/modeling tools. Candidates ...

What you'll do We're looking for a DWDM Optical Network Engineer to be a key part of a highly visible and business-critical technology team at Viasat. Do you love working in a cutting-edge, fast ...

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX ยท 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 ...

DWDM Optical Network Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$149K - $224K/yr

What you'll do We're looking for a DWDM Optical Network Engineer to be a key part of a highly visible and business-critical technology team at Viasat. Do you love working in a cutting-edge, fast ...

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities: * Lead the technical deployment, architecture, and execution for your team's projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment ...

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities: * Lead the technical deployment, architecture, and execution for your team's projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment ...

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities: * Lead the technical deployment, architecture, and execution for your team's projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment ...

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Intern Optical Network Engineer information

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How much do intern optical network engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern optical network engineer in the United States is $25.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an intern optical network engineer do?

An Intern Optical Network Engineer assists in designing, implementing, and maintaining optical communication networks that transmit data using light signals over fiber optics. Their responsibilities often include supporting senior engineers with network testing, troubleshooting, and documentation, as well as learning about industry standards and emerging technologies. Interns may also help with network upgrades, equipment configuration, and performance monitoring to ensure reliable, high-speed data transmission. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and exposure to real-world networking challenges in telecommunications and IT environments.

What types of projects and tasks can an intern optical network engineer expect to work on during their internship?

As an Intern Optical Network Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects, such as assisting with the setup, configuration, and testing of optical networking equipment. You may help analyze network performance, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and document network topologies under the guidance of senior engineers. Interns often participate in cross-functional team meetings and may contribute to ongoing research or pilot projects focused on network optimization. This exposure provides a valuable opportunity to apply your technical knowledge in real-world scenarios while learning industry best practices from experienced professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern optical network engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intern Optical Network Engineer, you need a solid understanding of optical communication principles, basic networking concepts, and typically be pursuing or hold a degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications, or a related field. Familiarity with optical networking equipment (like DWDM, OTN), network simulation tools, and exposure to industry standards such as ITU-T or IEEE are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and eagerness to learn help you excel in team environments and adapt to complex projects. These skills ensure you can support network design, troubleshooting, and implementation tasks while growing into more advanced engineering roles.

What is the difference between Intern Optical Network Engineer vs Intern Network Engineer?

AspectIntern Optical Network EngineerIntern Network Engineer
Required CertificationsBasic knowledge of optical networking, certifications like CCNA or CCNP preferredNetworking fundamentals, CCNA often preferred
Work EnvironmentOptical fiber labs, telecommunications companies, network service providersIT departments, data centers, enterprise networks
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providers, optical fiber companiesIT, corporate, and enterprise sectors

Intern Optical Network Engineers focus on optical fiber and light-based communication systems, while Intern Network Engineers work with broader network infrastructure. Both roles require foundational networking knowledge, but the optical role emphasizes fiber optics technology. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right internship based on their interests and career goals.

What cities are hiring for Intern Optical Network Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Intern 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 Intern Optical Network Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Intern Optical Network Engineer jobs include:

Optical Network Engineer

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$146K - $189K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Optical Network Engineer / DWDM Network Operations Specialist
Term : Long Term Contract
Location : Arlington, Virginia (Onsite) Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Optical Network Engineer to support the deployment, operation, and optimization of large-scale optical transport networks. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining network reliability, executing infrastructure changes, troubleshooting network issues, and contributing to operational improvements across a complex telecommunications environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Configure, provision, and maintain DWDM and optical transport equipment.
  • Perform remote software and firmware upgrades while adhering to established change management procedures.
  • Support the deployment and operation of optical network infrastructure.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot optical network performance issues using monitoring platforms, diagnostic tools, and device-level investigations.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to plan, coordinate, and implement network changes.
  • Maintain documentation related to network configurations, procedures, and operational activities.
  • Participate in operational support activities, including incident response and network maintenance.
  • Contribute to process improvements that enhance network efficiency, scalability, and reliability.

Required Skills and Experience<>1. DWDM / Optical Networking Expertise
  • Proven hands-on experience with Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) or optical transport technologies.
  • Strong understanding of optical networking concepts, equipment configuration, and operational best practices.
  • Experience supporting large-scale carrier, enterprise, or data center network environments.
<>2. Network Troubleshooting and Incident Resolution
  • Demonstrated ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve optical network issues.
  • Experience analyzing alarms, performance metrics, logs, and network telemetry to restore service efficiently.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in a production network environment.
<>3. Project and Time Management
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver work within established timelines.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and execution quality.
  • Experience coordinating tasks across operational, maintenance, and improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications<>Automation and Scripting
  • Experience with automation and scripting languages such as Python, Bash, Shell, or Perl.
  • Ability to automate recurring operational tasks and improve workflow efficiency.
<>Network Architecture and Design
  • Understanding of network design principles, transport network architecture, and scalability considerations.
  • Knowledge of network protocols and topology planning.
<>Systems Integration Experience
  • Experience integrating hardware and software solutions across multi-vendor environments.
  • Familiarity with interoperability and platform validation activities.

Desired Attributes
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced operational environment.
  • Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to service reliability and operational excellence.
  • Ability to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving network requirements.
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor''s degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Relevant experience in optical networking, telecommunications, network operations, or infrastructure engineering.
Key Technical Areas
  • DWDM / Optical Transport Networks
  • Network Operations and Maintenance
  • Change Management
  • Fault Isolation and Troubleshooting
  • Performance Monitoring
  • Network Automation
  • Infrastructure Deployment
  • Systems Integration