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Intern Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Field Operations

Inside Plant Engineer I

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$67K - $107K/yr

As an Inside Plant Engineer I on our ISP team, you will troubleshoot and maintain Spectrum ... Optical Power Meter), Video Networking, IP & DOCSIS/CMTS * Can troubleshoot communication ...

Molex

Associate Product Line Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

... optical networking standards, and competitor offerings to shape our product roadmap and direction. • Requirements Definition - Collaborate with customers, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ...

Mortenson

Marketing Intern - Solar

Minneapolis, MN

$18/hr

Maintaining personnel and project data, files, and systems in company database and network files ... ABOUT MORTENSON As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction ...

Molex

Associate Product Line Manager

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

... optical networking standards, and competitor offerings to shape our product roadmap and direction. • Requirements Definition - Collaborate with customers, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Tax Print Sales Intern

Eagan, MN · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

... networking with employees and executives worldwide, while growing your talents on a supportive and ... Our Grow My Way programming and skills-first approach ensures you have the tools and knowledge to ...

US Department of the Army

Civil Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$56K/yr

... or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. (Degree must be ... Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State ...

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All JobsIntern Optical Network Engineer JobsIntern Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Intern Optical Network Engineer information

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.

Intern Optical Network Engineer jobs near you
Principal Optical Communications Engineer

Principal Optical Communications Engineer

Calix

Minneapolis, MN

$134K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Calix platform enables Communication Service Providers (CSPs) of all sizes to transform and future-proof their businesses. Through real-time data, automation, and actionable insights delivered viaCalix One- our cloud-first, AI-powered platform - CSPs can simplify operations, collapse cost, and accelerate innovation. Calix One brings together the automation of everything and the experience of one, empowering customers to deliver differentiated subscriber experiences while driving acquisition, loyalty, and revenue growth. This is the Calix mission: to enable CSPs of all sizes to simplify, innovate, and grow, strengthening both their businesses and the communities they serve.
We're at the forefront of a once in a generational change in the broadband industry. Join us as we innovate, help our customers reach their potential, and connect underserved communities with unrivaled digital experiences.

Empower Communities. Elevate Connectivity. Lead the Future of Optical Access.

At Calix, we're building the next generation of fiber access networks that enable communities to thrive, close the digital divide, and deliver worldclass broadband experiences. We are seeking a Principal Optical Communications Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, validation, and deployment of highperformance optical access systems at scale.

This role is ideal for a seasoned optical engineer with deep expertise in optical communications who is motivated to influence architecture, mentor engineers, and drive technology from concept through mass production.

What You'll Do:

  • Provide technical leadership in the architecture, design, and optimization of optical interfaces and subsystems for Calix Optical Access Networks.

  • Own systemlevel optical performance, including link budgets, noise analysis, dispersion, margins, and interoperability across access network architectures.

  • Lead crossfunctional efforts spanning silicon vendors, module suppliers, hardware, firmware, and systems teams to deliver robust fiber broadband solutions.

  • Define and review optical specifications, validation plans, and acceptance criteria for transceivers and optical subsystems.

  • Drive handson lab investigations, including rootcause analysis of complex optical and systemlevel issues.

  • Lead technology transitions by actively representing the company within FSAN, ITUT, and IEEE, shaping standards evolution through a combination of deep systemlevel insight and ongoing handson laboratory investigation, ensuring standards positions are grounded in realworld performance, robustness, and thought leadership.

  • Mentor and influence engineers, raising the technical bar across the optics, hardware and software teams.

What You Bring:

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.

  • 10+ years of professional experience in optical communications system design and development.

  • Deep understanding of optical link design, including lasers, modulators, photodiodes, TIAs, dispersion, noise, and thermal effects.

  • Proven experience with highspeed optical systems spanning 10G through 400G, including familiarity with IEEE 802.3 and accessnetwork standards, FSAN and CableLabs.

  • Strong background in lab characterization and system validation, including optical data transmission, eye/constellation analysis, and optical network systems interoperability.

  • Experience working directly with optical module vendors and silicon partners to drive requirements and resolve issues.

  • Ability to translate complex optical behavior into clear systemlevel tradeoffs and recommendations.

Preferred / Differentiators:

  • Experience with Coherent and/or DirectDetect access technologies (PON, Metro/DWDM Transport, WDM broadband access).

  • Familiarity with optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, VPI, Pythonbased analysis).

  • Background in ROADM, WDM systems, or silicon photonics.

  • Track record of technical leadership, authorship of specifications, or contribution to standards bodies.

Why Calix:

  • Lead technology that matters-your work directly improves connectedness for communities around the world.

  • Influence real optical platform products at scale, from early architecture decisions through customer adoption.

  • Collaborate with deeply experienced engineers in optics, hardware, and systems.

  • Shape the future of broadband access and create this fast-approaching wave of disruption in the optical communications field.

Location:

  • This is an on-site position in Plymouth, MN

#LI-Remote

The base pay range for this position varies based on the geographic location. More information about the pay range specific to candidate location and other factors will be shared during the recruitment process. Individual pay is determined based on location of residence and multiple factors, including job-related knowledge, skills and experience.

San Francisco Bay Area:

165,600 - 281,800 USD Annual

All Other US Locations:

144,000 - 245,000 USD Annual

As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for a bonus. For information on our benefits click here.

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