ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Intern Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Naperville, IL

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Aurora, IL

$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 ...

Wolverine Worldwide

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

The Network Engineer will be part of a team that works with Wolverine's software engineers and ... Experience troubleshooting fiber optic connectivity within and between data center locations Bonus ...

Buckeye Mountain

Field Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Role We are hiring a Field Network Engineer to be our on-site network expert for NaaS ... Fiber optic splicing and termination Details * Location: Field-based -- Chicago, IL preferred ...

I3 Broadband LLC

Field Network Technician

East Dundee, IL · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Field Network Technicians will work closely with Construction, Network Engineering and Operations ... Optical Network (PON) access equipment. * Perform network maintenance, system upgrades, and ...

EOS

Network Pre-Sales Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL

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.

Engenuity Fiber

OSP Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Outside Plant Engineer will be responsible for tasks related to OSP engineering, network design, OSP construction, and ensuring the efficient deployment of fiber optics infrastructure in the ...

Engenuity Fiber

OSP Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Outside Plant Engineer will be responsible for tasks related to OSP engineering, network design, OSP construction, and ensuring the efficient deployment of fiber optics infrastructure in the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsIntern Optical Network Engineer JobsIntern Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Naperville, IL

Intern Optical Network Engineer information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$13

$25

$38

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 Naperville, IL is $25.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $28.80 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.

Intern Optical Network Engineer jobs near you

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Aurora, IL

Meta
Internet and IT • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 246 rated software companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Metaexternal

$135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment & Support Engineer to join the team responsible for planning and executing network deployments to build one of the world's largest optical backbone networks. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge Optical and IP networking technologies owning the deployment planning, implementation, and scaling of Meta's AI network infrastructure.
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, ensuring alignment with organizational direction and goals
  • Provide hands-on technical contributions (design, deployment, migrate, code reviews, troubleshooting, etc.) on large scale complex programs demonstrating domain expertise and technical impact
  • Contribute to strategic objectives by executing six-month to multi-year roadmaps that support business growth and transformation. Balance high-level strategic direction with hands-on leadership to deliver results across a broad portfolio of initiatives
  • Apply established engineering standards for reliability, scalability, and performance to deliverables, driving continuous improvement in engineering processes and technical quality
  • Collaborate cross-functionally across Network Engineering, Data Center, Network Investments, and Planning teams to ensure successful execution of shared goals on network delivery
  • Deploy, migrate and support our global production network including edge, backbone, and data center infrastructure
  • Mentor and onboard new team members, raising the team’s overall technical acumen and building internal community
  • 10% to 30% of travel

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 6+ years of Network Engineering, including hands-on responsibility for planning, building, deployment or migrating production network environments
  • 3+ years experience working in Optical Network Engineering
  • Hands-on experience with enterprise and carrier class routing, switching, and optical transport platforms
  • Knowledge of data center design and operational best practices
  • Proven experience leading and executing network deployment and migration projects
  • Experience interacting with vendors and external parties to drive projects to completion

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with process improvement and systems development, leveraging automation to streamline repetitive workflows
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience in data center, edge, or large-scale network environments
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Proficiency in automation (Python, Go, etc.) and network configuration management tooling
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)

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.

What Meta employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply