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Optical Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SCMInnovators LLC

DWDM/Optical Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$146K - $189K/yr

Optical Network Engineer / DWDM Network Operations Specialist Term : Long Term Contract Location : Arlington, Virginia (Onsite) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Optical Network ...

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 ...

KCI Telecommunications

Optical Engineer

$132K - $170K/yr

Optical Network Engineer III W2 Only - No Sponsorship Offered Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Optical Network Engineer III to join our team. This role is responsible for ...

Apex Systems

Optical Network Engineer III

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$126K - $163K/yr

Job#: 3043766 Optical Network Engineer III Location: Remote based in Charlotte, NC Role Overview We are seeking an Optical Network Engineer with a strong background in the telecommunications industry.

Collabera LLC

Optical Network Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$66 - $68/hr

Optical DWDM Expertise: Deep technical understanding and hands-on experience with the rollout of large DWDM networks, optical network technologies, and optical planning/modeling tools. Candidates ...

Viasat, Inc.

DWDM Optical Network Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$149K - $224K/yr

What you'll do We're looking for a DWDM Optical Network Engineer to be a key part of a highly visible and business-critical technology team at Viasat. Do you love working in a cutting-edge, fast ...

Oracle

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Collaborate with engineers from L1 optical engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables ...

Viasat, Inc.

DWDM Optical Network Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$149K - $224K/yr

What you'll do We're looking for a DWDM Optical Network Engineer to be a key part of a highly visible and business-critical technology team at Viasat. Do you love working in a cutting-edge, fast ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Aurora, IL · On-site

$135K/yr

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities: * Lead the technical deployment, architecture, and execution for your team's projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Houston, TX

$135K/yr

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities: * Lead the technical deployment, architecture, and execution for your team's projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Temple, TX

$135K/yr

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities: * Lead the technical deployment, architecture, and execution for your team's projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment ...

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Optical Network Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical network engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical network engineer?

An Optical Network Engineer designs, implements, and maintains fiber-optic communication networks to ensure high-speed data transmission. They work with DWDM, CWDM, and other optical technologies to optimize network performance and scalability. Their responsibilities include troubleshooting network issues, upgrading hardware, and collaborating with other IT professionals to enhance network efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by optical network engineers on the job?

Optical Network Engineers often work with rapidly evolving technologies and must stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in networking hardware and protocols. Common challenges include troubleshooting complex connectivity issues, ensuring minimal network downtime during upgrades or maintenance, and optimizing network performance across diverse infrastructures. The role may also involve responding to urgent issues outside of regular business hours and coordinating with other engineering teams or third-party vendors. Adaptability and a proactive approach are key to effectively managing these challenges and delivering reliable network solutions.

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 strong background in fiber optic communication, network design, troubleshooting, and a relevant degree in electrical engineering or a similar field. Familiarity with tools such as OTDRs, DWDM systems, network analyzers, and certifications like Cisco CCNP or similar are often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this position. These competencies ensure reliable, high-performance optical networks and successful collaboration within cross-functional technical teams.

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Optical Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

DWDM/Optical Engineer

Washington, DC • On-site

SCMInnovators LLC
See more jobs at SCMInnovators LLCexternal

$146K - $189K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Optical Network Engineer / DWDM Network Operations Specialist
Term : Long Term Contract
Location : Arlington, Virginia (Onsite) Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Optical Network Engineer to support the deployment, operation, and optimization of large-scale optical transport networks. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining network reliability, executing infrastructure changes, troubleshooting network issues, and contributing to operational improvements across a complex telecommunications environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Configure, provision, and maintain DWDM and optical transport equipment.
  • Perform remote software and firmware upgrades while adhering to established change management procedures.
  • Support the deployment and operation of optical network infrastructure.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot optical network performance issues using monitoring platforms, diagnostic tools, and device-level investigations.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to plan, coordinate, and implement network changes.
  • Maintain documentation related to network configurations, procedures, and operational activities.
  • Participate in operational support activities, including incident response and network maintenance.
  • Contribute to process improvements that enhance network efficiency, scalability, and reliability.
Required Skills and Experience<>1. DWDM / Optical Networking Expertise
  • Proven hands-on experience with Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) or optical transport technologies.
  • Strong understanding of optical networking concepts, equipment configuration, and operational best practices.
  • Experience supporting large-scale carrier, enterprise, or data center network environments.
<>2. Network Troubleshooting and Incident Resolution
  • Demonstrated ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve optical network issues.
  • Experience analyzing alarms, performance metrics, logs, and network telemetry to restore service efficiently.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in a production network environment.
<>3. Project and Time Management
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver work within established timelines.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and execution quality.
  • Experience coordinating tasks across operational, maintenance, and improvement initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications<>Automation and Scripting
  • Experience with automation and scripting languages such as Python, Bash, Shell, or Perl.
  • Ability to automate recurring operational tasks and improve workflow efficiency.
<>Network Architecture and Design
  • Understanding of network design principles, transport network architecture, and scalability considerations.
  • Knowledge of network protocols and topology planning.
<>Systems Integration Experience
  • Experience integrating hardware and software solutions across multi-vendor environments.
  • Familiarity with interoperability and platform validation activities.
Desired Attributes
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced operational environment.
  • Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to service reliability and operational excellence.
  • Ability to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving network requirements.
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor''s degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Relevant experience in optical networking, telecommunications, network operations, or infrastructure engineering.
Key Technical Areas
  • DWDM / Optical Transport Networks
  • Network Operations and Maintenance
  • Change Management
  • Fault Isolation and Troubleshooting
  • Performance Monitoring
  • Network Automation
  • Infrastructure Deployment
  • Systems Integration

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