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Optical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Service Global, Inc

Fiber Engineer-L2

Sterling, VA · On-site

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 ...

MasTec Inc

Fiber Splicer Trainee

Sterling, VA · On-site

$24/hr

We are experts in cell tower construction, RF engineering, broadband fiber optic cable installation, OSP engineering, wireline construction, and emergency maintenance services. At MasTec you'll be ...

MasTec Communications Group

Fiber Splicer

Sterling, VA · 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 ...

MasTec Communications Group

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 ...

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All JobsOptical Fiber Engineer JobsOptical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Washington

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 Jul 27, 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 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 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 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:
Optical Fiber Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Fiber Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,653 per year, or $78.2 per hour.

Fiber Engineer-L2

Service Global, Inc

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Key Responsibilities:
  • Install and route fiber trunks and jumpers per the pathways plan, maintaining bend radius, pull tension, and proper support/strain relief.
  • Perform fiber termination/splicing and enclosure work where required: cassette installation, splice tray management, and polarity control.
  • Execute or support fiber tests (OLTS/OTDR as required), interpret results, and perform remediation (re-termination, cleaning, or rerouting) to achieve acceptance.
  • Apply connector care best practices: end face inspection, cleaning, protection caps, and contamination control.
  • Lead workmanship quality on fibre tasks and coach junior installers; coordinate closely with patching/test/labeling leads.

Required Skills and Knowledge:
  • Expert hands-on fiber knowledge: SM/MM, MPO/MTP and LC connectivity, polarity methods, and high-density fiber management.
  • Working knowledge of BICSI/ANSI-TIA practices for fiber installation and documentation; strong craftsmanship.
  • Ability to use fiber tools and test equipment and to diagnose common issues (dirty end faces, macro-bends, and polarity errors).
  • Strong documentation discipline for fiber routes, enclosure records, and test result traceability.
  • Comfort working on ladders/lifts and in overhead tray environments with strict safety practices.

Certifications / Training:
  • Preferred: FOA CFOT/CFOS (or equivalent) and/or manufacturer fiber training.
  • Preferred: BICSI Installer/Technician credentials.

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 & Documentation/Problem Diagnosis

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