1

Optical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fiber Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$68.10K - $104.70K/yr

Manages the inventory of the Zayo fiber network through database tracking of fiber enclosures, fiber optic cable, conduit, building data, and more. Our Fiber Engineer will report to the Fiber ...

Fiber Engineer Specialist

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$53.30K - $82K/yr

Our Fiber Engineer Specialist will report to the Fiber Engineering Manager, with regular ... Ensure fiber optic database is current and accurate by inputting data of physical fiber assets and ...

Fiber Engineer Specialist

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$53.30K - $82K/yr

Our Fiber Engineer Specialist will report to the Fiber Engineering Manager, with regular ... Ensure fiber optic database is current and accurate by inputting data of physical fiber assets and ...

Mandatory Skills Fiber Optic Installation (SM/MM, MPO/MTP, LC), Polarity Management, High-Density Fiber Cabling, BICSI/ANSI-TIA Standards, Fiber Testing & Troubleshooting/Cable Routing ...

Fiber Splicer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Utilize fusion splicer, test equipment OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) 1310, 1550, DWDM, CWDM, 945 OLTS, Max Tester, Power meter * Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading ...

Fiber Splicer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Utilize fusion splicer, test equipment OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) 1310, 1550, DWDM, CWDM, 945 OLTS, Max Tester, Power meter * Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading ...

Fiber Splicer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Utilize fusion splicer, test equipment OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) 1310, 1550, DWDM, CWDM, 945 OLTS, Max Tester, Power meter * Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading ...

Fiber Splicer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Utilize fusion splicer, test equipment OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) 1310, 1550, DWDM, CWDM, 945 OLTS, Max Tester, Power meter * Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading ...

Fiber Splicer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Utilize fusion splicer, test equipment OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) 1310, 1550, DWDM, CWDM, 945 OLTS, Max Tester, Power meter * Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Optical Fiber Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$94K

$162.7K

$190.8K

How much do optical fiber engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical fiber engineer in Washington is $162,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,100.00 and $189,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Fiber Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Fiber Engineer, you need strong knowledge of fiber optic theory, network design, and installation practices, often backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like OTDRs, splicing machines, CAD software, and certifications such as FOA CFOT are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help engineers excel in troubleshooting and project coordination. These skills ensure reliable, high-performance network installations and maintenance, which are critical for modern communications infrastructure.

What are some common challenges Optical Fiber Engineers face during large-scale network deployments?

Optical Fiber Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, navigating difficult terrain for cable installation, and ensuring minimal signal loss over long distances. They must also manage tight project timelines and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the role frequently involves troubleshooting issues in collaboration with field technicians, project managers, and network planners.

What does an Optical Fiber Engineer do?

An Optical Fiber Engineer specializes in the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber optic communication systems. They work on laying fiber optic cables, configuring optical network equipment, and ensuring optimal data transmission over long distances. Optical Fiber Engineers are essential for supporting high-speed internet, telecommunications, and data connectivity in various industries. Their responsibilities also include testing fiber connections, maintaining network reliability, and adhering to safety standards.

What is the difference between Optical Fiber Engineer vs Optical Network Technician?

AspectOptical Fiber EngineerOptical Network Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in telecommunications, electrical engineering, or related field; certifications like FOA or Cisco CCNAHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications such as FOA Fiber Optic Technician
Work EnvironmentDesign, plan, and oversee fiber optic installations; office and fieldworkInstall, maintain, and repair fiber optic networks; primarily fieldwork
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providers, data centersTelecom companies, ISPs, network service providers

While both roles involve working with fiber optics, Optical Fiber Engineers focus on designing and planning fiber optic systems, whereas Optical Network Technicians handle installation and maintenance. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the fiber optics industry.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Washington? For Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Optical Fiber Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Fiber Engineer job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,653 per year, or $78.2 per hour.
Fiber Engineer

$68.10K - $104.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Zayo provides mission-critical bandwidth to the world's most impactful companies, fueling the innovations that are transforming our society. Zayo's 141,000-mile network in North America and Europe includes extensive metro connectivity to thousands of buildings and data centers. Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media, tech, content, finance, healthcare and other large enterprises.
Zayo is seeking a Fiber Engineer to be responsible for the solution and design of physical fiber paths across the Zayo network in support of providing fiber-based services. Projects may encompass high volume large projects including FTT and various ring designs, fiber inventory management, Greenfield builds, technical splicing solutions, network relocations, and capacity augments/grooms. Our Fiber Engineer works with large data sets and formal project planning over a long-term period of months, or years. Manages the inventory of the Zayo fiber network through database tracking of fiber enclosures, fiber optic cable, conduit, building data, and more. Our Fiber Engineer will report to the Fiber Engineering Manager, with regular interaction from the Outside Plant Team, Network Inventory Specialists, Sales Engineering, and other Network Engineers.
Responsibilities:
  • Designs routes for fiber-based services including Point to point, Ring, and path diverse routing.

  • Researches existing databases, files, and records for purposes of network design, fiber optimization, and relocation of fiber facilities.

  • Delivers design solutions of fiber path and complicated splicing schematics to be performed for high volume fiber projects.

  • Ensures fiber plant database is current and accurate by inputting physical fiber asset data as well as fiber inventory and circuit assignments into the data management system, specifically GE Smallworld and Salesforce.

  • Ensures inventory of fiber utilization is accurate by maintaining inventory management database and maintaining both internal and external customer information as changes occur.

  • Assigns cable names, splice ID's, and manages our Splice Activity & Order processes in alignment with our company and database standards.

  • Interfaces between various engineers and Zayo stakeholders as needed to validate project specifications, network growth, and delivery timelines.

  • Establishes and maintains effective communications and professional working relationships with customers both internal and external.

  • Organizes workday efficiently to maximize productivity by utilizing proper time management techniques.

  • Assists in the accomplishment of company objectives by performing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Four-year college Degree in Engineering or equivalent Telecom Network Experience required.

  • 3+ years fiber design experience that includes ring configurations, FTT projects, and various high volume site deliveries required.

  • Well qualified candidate will have proven aptitude to prioritize tasks and timelines while cross functioning in a fast-paced environment independently.

  • Proficiency in the MS Office suite of tools, in particular MS Visio and Excel. Knowledge of Salesforce.com platform is a plus.

  • Must have prior experience in telecom and fiber plant install.

  • Knowledge of GIS-based platforms and fiber inventory systems. GE Smallworld experience preferred.

  • Must have Google Earth experience - understands how to produce a professional and detailed KMZ file and can interpret outside plant construction KMZ's.

  • Ability to correspond effectively with a variety of functional teams and strong interpersonal skills for supporting cross functional teams.

  • Proficient analytical, organizational, and time management skills, including the ability to effectively multi-task assignments.

  • Well qualified candidates will possess a work ethic that includes extreme attention to detail and strong organizational skills; including project management, effective communication skills while handling high volume projects, and proven ability to execute in fast-paced environments.

  • Successful candidates have ability to work quickly and efficiently without sacrificing data quality.

Estimated base salary range: $68,100 - $104,700 USD/annually.
#LI-EC1
The base pay range shown is a guideline and reasonable estimate for this role. It takes into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions. Actual compensation offered may vary from the posted range based upon geographic location, work experience, skill level, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Non- sales roles may be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive plan. Sales roles may be eligible to participate in a sales incentive plan.
Additionally, this position may be eligible for certain benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, disability retirement plans, paid time off.
The posting will be active for a minimum of 3 days. The active posting will continue to extend by 3 days until the position is filled.
Benefits, Rewards & Wellness
  • Excellent Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Retirement 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Generous paid time off policy including paid parental leave

Zayo provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, provincial or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.