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Intern Optical Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marencor

Optical Network Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$110/hr

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 ...

Orion Innovation

Optical Network Engineer

Middletown, NJ · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

Seeking a highly experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead the evaluation and optimization of optical technologies across our next-generation transport networks. In this critical role, you will be ...

Orion Innovation

Optical Network Engineer

Middletown, NJ · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

Seeking a highly experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead the evaluation and optimization of optical technologies across our next-generation transport networks. In this critical role, you will be ...

MatX

Optical Network Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$175K - $362K/yr

The engineer owns the full lifecycle - from component characterization and link budget analysis to ... Scale-Up Network Architecture * Define optical interconnect strategy for AI cluster topologies ...

New

MatX

Optical Network Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$175K - $362K/yr

The engineer owns the full lifecycle - from component characterization and link budget analysis to ... Scale-Up Network Architecture * Define optical interconnect strategy for AI cluster topologies ...

New

OpenAI

Optical Network Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$342K - $445K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead Laser related work within our optical interconnect efforts for large-scale compute systems. The role also requires broad, hands-on ...

Oracle

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 ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Seattle, WA

$135K/yr

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 ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Denver, CO

$135K/yr

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 ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Reston, VA

$135K/yr

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 ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Seattle, WA

$162K/yr

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

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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 Jul 18, 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.

Is AI going to replace network engineers?

AI is unlikely to fully replace network engineers, including those working as optical network engineers, because the role requires complex problem-solving, system design, and hands-on troubleshooting that AI cannot perform independently. Instead, AI tools are expected to augment their work by automating routine tasks and providing data analysis, allowing engineers to focus on more strategic and technical aspects of network management.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers, including those specializing in optical network engineering, are in high demand due to the growth of high-speed communication networks and fiber optic infrastructure. Skills in fiber optics, network design, and related certifications can improve job prospects in this field.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most optical network engineers earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, highly experienced professionals with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles in large organizations can potentially earn $500,000 or more per year. Such salaries are typically associated with senior positions, specialized expertise, or executive-level roles in the telecommunications industry.

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 does a network engineer intern do?

A network engineer intern assists with designing, implementing, and maintaining optical and data network systems. They may troubleshoot network issues, support network configuration, and learn to use tools like network analyzers and monitoring software under supervision. The role provides hands-on experience in network infrastructure and technical skills development.
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:
Intern Optical Network Engineer jobs near you

Optical Network Engineer

CompQsoft,Inc .

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$143K - $185K/yr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Title: Optical Network Engineer

Location: Fort Meade MD ( Hybrid)

Clearance required: Secret Clearance

Certification required by project: IAT Level 2

COMPQSOFT Inc. is seeking an Optical Network Engineer to augment our DISA test team at Fort Meade, MD. The candidate will function as a subject matter expert (SME) in testing existing and new optical network equipment for the DOD s transport network. The candidate will work developing test cases, test reports and implementation plan in evaluating engineering architectures, new technologies and approaches to unique engineering problems. Candidate will also function as a Tier III Optical engineer assisting Tier II engineers and vendors to provide solutions to resolve real world Optical network issues.
Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks:
Optical testing:
  • Analyze new/old optical transport equipment functionality and interoperability amongst various transport networks (Optical Transport Networks (OTN), Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Ethernet) and cryptographic equipment.
  • Operate various Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) test equipment in support of equipment testing.
  • Develop test cases, test reports and implementation plans based on equipment testing.
  • Perform interoperability testing between different vendors OTN equipment.
  • Perform interoperability testing between edge devices and OTN equipment.
  • Determine and provide Recommendations with supporting documentation for new equipment to be deployed /not deployed in the operational network.
  • Brief the group leads on project status.
Tier III Support:
  • Work with DISA Tier II optical engineers to identify, track, and develop solutions to complex network problems.
  • Mock-up equipment problems in the Test Lab to reproduce the problem and work toward a solution.
Engineering support:
  • Analyze new Optical transport equipment.
  • Determine/identify functional capabilities of new equipment.
  • Provide SME support in identifying equipment capabilities.
Required Experience/Qualifications:
  • Bachelor s degree is preferred
  • Security+ certification or equivalent 8570 IAT II certification.(Should be able to obtain within 3 months from joining)
  • 5 + years of Optical systems engineering experience configuring, testing, designing, implementing, or troubleshooting telecommunication networks.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to collaborate test plans and reports with Government and equipment vendors.
  • Able to work with strict deadlines.
  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office suite to include Word, Excel, and Visio technical drawing program.
  • Ability to work along with no or little assistance to complete equipment testing.
  • Ability to work in a group to achieve the common goal to resolve complex network issues.
  • Extensive knowledge of Dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technologies.
  • Experience with SONET, DWDM, Time-division multiplexing (TDM) and Ethernet technologies.

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