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Intern Optical Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Bellevue, 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 ...

SPECTRUM

Optical Network Engineer IV

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$80K/yr

As a Network Engineer IV at Spectrum, you will be responsible for designing and developing ... Data networking knowledge (OSI Model, TCP/IP, Optical Transport)  * Extensive knowledge of ...

Oracle

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX

$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 ...

Oracle

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX

$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 ...

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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 19, 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
Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Meta

Bellevue, WA

$162K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment & Support Engineering lead to join the team responsible for planning and executing network deployments and migrations to build the world's largest AI backbone network. 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 strategy, architecture, and execution for your team’s projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment and migrations, ensuring alignment with organizational vision and goals
  • Provide hands-on technical contributions (design, deployment, migrate, code reviews, troubleshooting, etc.) on large scale complex programs at the experienced engineer level, demonstrating domain expertise and technical impact
  • Drive strategic planning by building and executing six-month to multi-year roadmaps that support business growth and transformation. Balance high-level strategic vision with hands-on leadership to deliver results across a broad portfolio of initiatives
  • Ensure high standards for reliability, scalability, and performance in all deliverables, driving continuous improvement in engineering processes and technical quality
  • Collaborate cross-functionally across Network Engineering, Data Center, Edge, and Planning teams to ensure successful execution of shared goals on Network Capacity and Reliability
  • Deploy, migrate and support our global production network including edge, backbone, and data center infrastructure
  • Manage key vendor relationships including contract negotiations, pricing, and evaluation of current and potential partnerships
  • Manage partner engineering team relationships to enable the team(s) to effectively meet business needs
  • Mentor and onboard new team members, raising the team’s overall technical acumen and building internal community
  • Demonstrate leadership behaviors by helping others, showing respect, connecting people, and driving collaboration within the team and organization
  • 10% to 30% of travel

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Proven experience leading and executing network deployment and migration projects
  • Hands-on experience with enterprise and carrier class routing, switching, and optical transport platforms
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Experience interacting with vendors and external parties to drive projects to completion
  • 10+ years of Network Engineering, including hands-on responsibility for planning, building, deployment or migrating production network environments
  • Knowledge of data center design and operational best practices
  • 5+ years experience working in Optical Network Engineering

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of various scripting languages
  • Network certifications such as CCE, CCIE, or JNCIE
  • Experience with process improvement and systems development, leveraging automation to streamline repetitive workflows
  • 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)
  • 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

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.
$162,000/year to $227,000/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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