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Optical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Cleveland, TN (NOW HIRING)

The Engineering Technician I will work directly with EPB customers, internal departments, and ... This includes fiber optic damages, natural disasters, power failures, and other events. * Create ...

The Engineering Technician I will work directly with EPB customers, internal departments, and ... This includes fiber optic damages, natural disasters, power failures, and other events * Create and ...

Lead EHV Engineer 2 - Grid

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$134K - $205K/yr

... fiber optics, microwave, power line carrier, etc.). * AutoCAD or MicroStation experience ... Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate ...

Lead EHV Engineer 2 - Grid

Chattanooga, TN ยท Hybrid

$93K - $122K/yr

... fiber optics, microwave, power line carrier, etc.). * AutoCAD or MicroStation experience ... Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate ...

Lead EHV Engineer 2 - Grid

Chattanooga, TN ยท Hybrid

$93K - $122K/yr

... fiber optics, microwave, power line carrier, etc.). * AutoCAD or MicroStation experience ... Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate ...

Civil Engineer 1

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

... fiber-optic network. The City of Chattanooga was also recently designated as a "National Park City," the first of its kind in the United States. A Our Organization As a City, we are powered by a ...

Data Center Technician

Dalton, GA ยท On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Work closely with data center engineers, facilities teams, and vendors to support operational goals ... Knowledge of networking concepts (e.g., Ethernet, fiber optics, and transceiver compatibility)

Optical Fiber Engineer information

See Cleveland, TN salary details

$69.4K

$120.2K

$141K

How much do optical fiber engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical fiber engineer in Cleveland, TN is $120,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,900.00 and $139,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Are optical fiber engineers in high demand?

Optical fiber engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing expansion of telecommunications infrastructure and the need for high-speed data transmission. They typically require specialized skills in fiber optic installation, testing, and maintenance, and job opportunities are expected to grow as demand for faster internet and 5G networks increases.

How much do optical fiber engineers get paid?

Optical fiber engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in areas with high demand for telecommunications infrastructure.

How much does an optical fiber engineer make?

The average salary for an optical fiber engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in areas with high demand for telecommunications infrastructure.
Infographic showing various Optical Fiber Engineer job openings in Cleveland, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,156 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Engineering Tech I (Fiber Design)

EPB

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข On-site

$27/hr

Temporary

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

TEMPORARY POSITION, $27/hour, 40 hours per week
Job Summary

The Engineering Technician I is responsible for designing EPB Fiber Optic's overhead and underground facilities using the latest fiber management systems. This includes installing, removing, modifying, and/or updating fiber facilities to maintain the most accurate records. The Engineering Technician I will work directly with EPB customers, internal departments, and external partners to provide and maintain fiber optic services.


Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform detailed engineering tasks, including analyzing, evaluating, designing, planning, and estimating labor and material for EPB fiber optic network and systems.
  • Develop familiarity by reading, understanding, and applying departmental design guides, standards, systems, applicable engineering codes, company policies, and procedures.
  • Utilize various systems to process and report work activities, inventory outside plant facilities, document projects, and perform cost estimates and analysis.
  • Help direct emergency restoration activities required for our outside plant infrastructure. This includes fiber optic damages, natural disasters, power failures, and other events.
  • Create and maintain fiber splice, network, and fiber mapping system records.
  • Submit appropriate reports in a timely manner as requested.


Education and Experience
  • Associate's Degree in CAD, Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering with CAD training, or equivalent experience.
  • 1-3 years of fiber optics work experience with demonstrated competence.
  • Excellent oral and written communication, decision-making, mechanical aptitude, and customer service skills.
  • Knowledge of the basic office tools provided on each PC (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint). In addition, the candidate should have the knowledge or the ability to quickly learn other EPB applications such as Outlook, enQuesta, Power Plan, CRM, Microstation, GTech, Salesforce, Resco, AutoCAD, and any Web application pertinent to data management.
  • Outside plant construction knowledge with the ability to read/red-line construction drawings to facilitate new builds, relocations, emergency repairs, updates, and other functions.


Certifications and Other Requirements
  • Possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in state of residence and demonstrate safe and responsible operation of motor vehicles.
  • Communication is vital to establish and maintain good working relationships within the department and other departments throughout EPB. This position is required to work with various groups around the company, such as Field Technicians, Sales, Billing, Network Operations, Field Services, MDUs, Electrical Designers, Key Customer groups, and more. The emphasis is working together as a team to meet the customer's needs in the most timely and cost-effective manner through efficient time management.
  • Ability to perform a broad spectrum of complex assignments requiring alternative analysis, innovation, and judgment. Assumes responsibility for contributing to the department's success and making necessary decisions.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documentation related to data management. Must be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, field personnel, customers, and the general public clearly and concisely. Must be able to write reports, workflow procedures, and business correspondence.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical outside plant maps, fiber outside plant maps, and design drawings. The individual must also quickly obtain a basic working knowledge of an electric and fiber distribution system and understand EPB engineering construction standards.
  • Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, probability, and statistics. Must have the ability to apply concepts.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with various variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Must interpret multiple instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.


Physical Demands - Additional Information
  • The work environment typically represents a standard office setting.
  • During system emergencies, the individual may be asked to work extended periods without sleep or rest.



EPB logo

About EPB

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Utilities

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chattanooga, TN, US

Year founded

1935