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Optical Communication Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fibertek, Inc

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Job Title Optical Communication Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based ...

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom design, hand-on building space flight optical ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

AEI-CIG

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking an Optical Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of optical transceiver products for high-speed optical communication systems. The candidate ...

Marvell

Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches. With its DSP, broadband amplifiers, photonic ICs and optical transceivers product lines, Marvell ...

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Optical Communication information

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How much do optical communication jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical communication in the United States is $17.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Optical Communication roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Optical Communication often encounter challenges such as maintaining signal integrity over long distances, troubleshooting network disruptions, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies. These obstacles can be addressed through continuous training, proactive system monitoring, and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including network engineers and hardware specialists. Staying updated on industry best practices and participating in knowledge-sharing sessions also play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges and ensuring reliable optical networks.

Is photonics a good career?

Optical communication is a specialized field within photonics that involves designing and maintaining fiber optic systems for data transmission. It offers strong job growth due to increasing demand for high-speed internet and telecommunications infrastructure, often requiring knowledge of optics, electronics, and related certifications. Careers in this area typically involve research, engineering, and technical roles with opportunities in technology companies and network providers.

What is the highest paying job in communication?

In optical communication, senior engineering roles such as Optical Systems Architect or Optical Network Director tend to be among the highest paying positions, often requiring advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience in network design and fiber optics. Executive roles in telecommunications companies also offer high salaries in the broader communication field.

What is the highest paying job in telecommunications?

In telecommunications, senior roles such as Telecommunications Director or Network Architect tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often certifications in network design or management.

What is the difference between Optical Communication vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical CommunicationOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related fields; certifications like CCNA, Cisco certificationsBachelor's or higher in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics; certifications like Cisco or industry-specific optical certifications
Work EnvironmentTelecom companies, network providers, research labs; focus on network infrastructureResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departments; focus on design and development of optical systems
Employer & Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providers, data centersOptical component manufacturers, research institutions, tech companies

Optical Communication primarily involves the transmission of data through optical fibers and network infrastructure, focusing on deployment and maintenance. In contrast, Optical Engineers design and develop optical systems and components, emphasizing research and innovation. Both roles require technical knowledge of optics but differ in their focus areas and work environments.

What is optical communication?

Optical communication is the transmission of information using light as the carrier, typically through optical fibers. This technology is widely used in telecommunications and networking, enabling high-speed data transfer over long distances with minimal loss. Optical communication systems offer advantages such as large bandwidth, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and high security. Common applications include internet backbone infrastructure, cable television, and data centers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Optical Communication, and why are they important?

To excel in Optical Communication, you need a solid background in physics, electronics, and telecommunications, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with fiber optic systems, optical network design tools, and certifications such as FOA or Cisco Optical Specialist are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork help professionals address complex technical challenges and collaborate on large-scale projects. These competencies are vital for ensuring reliable, high-performance data transmission systems that meet industry standards.

What does optical communication mean?

Optical communication is a field within optical communication jobs that involves transmitting information using light signals through fiber optic cables or free space. It requires knowledge of optics, photonics, and network systems, and often involves working with lasers, modulators, and optical amplifiers to ensure high-speed data transfer. Professionals in this field design, install, and maintain optical communication systems for telecommunications and data networks.
More about Optical Communication jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Communication jobs? Cities with the most Optical Communication job openings:
What states have the most Optical Communication jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Communication jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Communication jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Communication jobs are:
Optical Communication jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Communication job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,574 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
Optical Communication Engineer

Optical Communication Engineer

Fibertek, Inc

Herndon, VA • On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Optical Communication Engineer
Location
Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)
Job Description
Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct to earth links. Fibertek is looking for an optical communication engineer to join our Herndon, VA team to help pave the way for tomorrow's advancement in space exploration. You will embrace a team atmosphere while being empowered to make decisions in your area of expertise.
Job duties:
As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom design, hand-on building space flight optical flight terminals, and conducting performance and environmental verification testing for space. Design and work with some of the smartest minds in engineering actively involved in current high-profile NASA and DOD missions. You will use your direct hands-on experience to support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of laser communication terminals, build space fiber lasers, and develop optical pointing and tracking systems. Activities include coordinating and performing formal acceptance and qualification testing across multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short-duration flight programs and long-duration technology maturation programs.
Job Requirements
Experience and expertise required:
  • BS in Physics, Optical engineering or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 3 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems.
  • Efficient at developing and executing on complex optical alignment methods.
  • Understanding of opto-mechanical, thermo-optic tolerance and stability.
  • Knowledge of laser theory and industry best practices associated with fiber laser systems including continuous wave, pulsed, and high peak power fiber lasers.
  • Ability or interest in building fiber lasers.
  • Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination

Desired qualifications:
  • Experience or ability to work within an aerospace environment is a plus including environmental test capability of hardware before/after vibration and inside a thermal vacuum chamber.
  • Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools
  • Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity

Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $70,000-$120,000. This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.
Benefits offered: The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability, life insurance, and AD&D; a 401(k) plan with a company match and immediate vesting; Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts; an Employee Assistance Program; education assistance; paid time off and holidays; flexible work schedules; and a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option.
FIBERTEK, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.
Fibertek, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. Fibertek does not engage in nor permits any discrimination in the workplace.

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