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Intern Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

... optical, and data center infrastructure across Meta's global footprint. In this role, you will ... Network Engineer, Operations & Support Responsibilities: * Troubleshoot and resolve complex network ...

We are seeking a passionate and high-energy Network Pre-Sales System Engineer ready to take the ... Understanding of optical networking technologies and low-latency infrastructure for AI clusters.

Network L2 Site Lead

Somerville, MA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Install cables or optics for new circuits * Re-connect / disconnect / replace existing circuits ... Installation Support (PDU, Network Switches, etc.) * E-Waste and other clean-up activities Job ...

Sales Engineer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Sales Engineer -- Network & Security Solutions New England | Upstate New York | Pennsylvania ... About FirstLight FirstLight owns and operates one of the largest fiber-optic networks in the ...

As a Software Engineering Intern at HPR, you will build upon your strong academic background as you ... Familiarity with network socket programming and TCP Compensation: In compliance with Massachusetts ...

Optical Assembly Technician

Waltham, MA · On-site

$41.35 - $54.81/hr

... and networking technology to the military in months, not years. WHAT YOU'LL DO * Assemble and ... engineering drawings, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). * Align optical systems using ...

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Intern Optical Network Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$14

$27

$42

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern optical network engineer in Boston, MA is $27.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.45 and $31.35 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 are the most commonly searched types of Optical Network Engineer jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Optical Network Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Network Engineer, Operations & Support

Meta

Boston, MA

$135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 242 rated software companies


Job description

Meta's Edge Network Services team is responsible for the design, deployment, and operational support of production networks spanning edge, backbone IP, optical, and data center infrastructure across Meta's global footprint. In this role, you will serve as a hands-on network engineer focused on ensuring the reliability, scalability, and performance of production Edge network infrastructure that underpins Meta's ability to connect billions of people worldwide. You will partner with cross-functional teams to execute the network's efficiency, drive operational excellence, and contribute to the evolution of global network standards.
Network Engineer, Operations & Support Responsibilities:
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex network incidents affecting production site services, driving root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence
  • Formulate the right metrics and definitions of success to report and drive quality, efficiency, cost, and timeliness, and evolve these over time to match changes to the infrastructure and business requirements
  • manage related programs, project budget plans, and budgets
  • Develop operational process improvement plans and transform with partner teams the improvements to scalable and automated AI-powered workflows by writing and reviewing the code to improve operational efficiency
  • Participate in team oncall rotation and improve issue/event escalation and emergency/incident response, including detailed after-action reviews to prevent future recurrences
  • Build cross-functional relationships and deliver results with partner teams (internally and externally) associated with all coordination, colocation operations, and compliance issues, including vendors, contractors, and stakeholders/partners
  • Support real-world operations and production challenges that affect network capacity and reliability, and take the lessons to improve current and future-generation coordination products and business processes
  • Identify operational gaps between system components and contribute to the design and delivery of scalable solutions that improve network reliability and availability efficiency
  • Participate in an oncall rotation to provide 24/7 support for production site services network infrastructure
  • Engage stakeholders across the network engineering, facilities, and vendor teams to coordinate project execution and communicate progress against milestones
  • Up to 15 percent of travel (domestic and international)

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 8+ years of experience in designing, deploying, operating, and troubleshooting large-scale production network infrastructure
  • Experience working within a global team and collaborating with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with limited supervision
  • Experience in configuring and troubleshooting routing and switching protocols, including BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, MPLS, and spanning tree variants
  • Experience with network protocols including TCP/IP, DHCP, and DNS, and hands-on experience with both IPv4 and IPv6 environments
  • Experience working in multi-vendor network environments with hands-on familiarity with enterprise or hyperscale networking hardware
  • Strong organizational/multitasking skills and ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities with excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, a relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Understanding of AI methods and tools, as well as training workloads and the demands they exert on the network. Knowledge of data-driven analysis and analytics applied to a full project lifecycle
  • Familiarity with physical infrastructure design: rack elevations, cable types, connector types, optic types, patch panels, power/cooling, and facility infrastructure
  • Familiarity and experience with the creation and management of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Methods of Procedure (MOPS), and policies, alongside comprehensive technical and operations guidance and knowledge management practices
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • M.S. in Computer Science/Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Operations leadership, or a related discipline, or an equivalent mix of business process and technical experience
  • Some coding experience in Python, or a willingness to learn
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy review)

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$135,000/year to $191,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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