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Optical Network Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Optical Network Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$154.60K - $232.90K/yr

Description Apple is looking for an Optical Network Engineer to join their Global Network Services (GNS) team. The ideal candidate to fill the position will work in a dynamic team environment ...

Apple

Optical Network Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$154.60K - $232.90K/yr

Description Apple is looking for an Optical Network Engineer to join their Global Network Services (GNS) team. The ideal candidate to fill the position will work in a dynamic team environment ...

Marencor

Optical Network Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$110/hr

Role: Optical Network Engineer Location: Fremont, CA Salary: $110-120k Role Description: Deployment Engineer working on Backbone Network capacity deployment. This role will be focused on network ...

Eliassen Group

Optical Network Engineer

Almont, CO

$90K - $110K/yr

Remote Our client seeks an Optical Network Engineer to design, deploy, and maintain large-scale optical transport infrastructure. The role will build, configure, and troubleshoot platforms such as ...

OpenAI

Optical Network Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$342K - $445K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead Laser related work within our optical interconnect efforts for large-scale compute systems. The role also requires broad, hands-on ...

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How much do optical network jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical network in the United States is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Optical Network Engineer, you need a solid understanding of fiber optic communication, network design, and transmission protocols, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical networking equipment (like DWDM/OTN systems), network management software, and certifications such as Cisco or Juniper are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you work collaboratively and resolve complex network issues. These skills are vital for ensuring high-speed, reliable data transmission and minimizing network downtime in today's data-driven environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in optical network roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in optical network roles often encounter challenges such as managing high-bandwidth demands, ensuring network reliability, and troubleshooting complex fiber optic issues. Keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies and maintaining compatibility with legacy systems can also be demanding. Addressing these challenges involves continuous learning, effective collaboration with cross-functional teams like network engineers and field technicians, and utilizing advanced monitoring tools to quickly identify and resolve issues. Employers typically support professional development through training programs and certifications, helping team members stay current with industry advancements.

What are Optical Networks?

Optical networks are communication systems that use light signals, typically transmitted through fiber optic cables, to transfer data over long distances at very high speeds. These networks are widely used by internet service providers, telecom companies, and large organizations to support bandwidth-intensive applications and services. Optical networks provide advantages such as high capacity, low latency, and resistance to electromagnetic interference, making them essential for modern data transmission.

What is the difference between Optical Network vs Network Technician?

AspectOptical NetworkNetwork Technician
CertificationsFiber Optic Certification, Cisco CCNACompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentFiber optic installation, maintenance, and troubleshootingNetwork setup, hardware troubleshooting, and support
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providersIT departments, telecom companies

Optical Network specialists focus on fiber optic systems, requiring specific certifications and working primarily in telecommunications. Network Technicians handle broader network infrastructure, including wired and wireless systems. While both roles involve network troubleshooting, Optical Network roles are specialized in fiber optics, whereas Network Technicians work across various network types.

More about Optical Network jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Network jobs? Cities with the most Optical Network job openings:
What states have the most Optical Network jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Network jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Network jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Network jobs are:
Optical Network jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Network job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Optical Project Engineer

Optical Project Engineer

CompQsoft, Inc.

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$143.70K - $186K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Description

Title: Optical Project Engineer 

Location: Fort Meade, MD (Hybrid) 

Clearance required:  Secret Clearance

Certification required by project: IAT Level 2 

Requirements

COMPQSOFT Inc. is seeking an Optical Project Engineer to augment our DISA test team at Fort Meade, MD. The candidate will function as a subject matter expert (SME) in testing existing and new optical network equipment for the DOD's transport network. The candidate will work developing test cases, test reports and implementation plan in evaluating engineering architectures, new technologies and approaches to unique engineering problems. Candidate will also function as a Tier III Optical engineer assisting Tier II engineers and vendors to provide solutions to resolve real world Optical network issues.

Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks:

Optical testing:

- Analyze new/old optical transport equipment functionality and interoperability amongst various transport networks (Optical Transport Networks (OTN), Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Ethernet) and cryptographic equipment.

- Operate various Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) test equipment in support of equipment testing.

- Develop test cases, test reports and implementation plans based on equipment testing.

- Perform interoperability testing between different vendors OTN equipment.

- Perform interoperability testing between edge devices and OTN equipment.

- Determine and provide Recommendations with supporting documentation for new equipment to be deployed /not deployed in the operational network.

- Brief the group leads on project status.

Tier III Support: 

- Work with DISA Tier II optical engineers to identify, track, and develop solutions to complex network problems.

- Mock-up equipment problems in the Test Lab to reproduce the problem and work toward a solution.

Engineering support:

- Analyze new Optical transport equipment. 

- Determine/identify functional capabilities of new equipment.

- Provide SME support in identifying equipment capabilities.

Required Experience/Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree is preferred

- Security+ certification or equivalent 8570 IAT II certification.(Should be able to obtain within 3 months from joining)

- 5 + years of Optical systems engineering experience configuring, testing, designing, implementing, or troubleshooting telecommunication networks.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to collaborate test plans and reports with Government and equipment vendors.

- Able to work with strict deadlines.

- Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office suite to include Word, Excel, and Visio technical drawing program.

- Ability to work along with no or little assistance to complete equipment testing.

- Ability to work in a group to achieve the common goal to resolve complex network issues.

- Extensive knowledge of Dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technologies.

- Experience with SONET, DWDM, Time-division multiplexing (TDM) and Ethernet technologies.

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