1

Optical Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Optical Network Engineer

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Seeking a highly experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead the evaluation and optimization of optical technologies across our next-generation transport networks. In this critical role, you will be ...

Optical Network Engineer

Seattle, WA

$147K - $190K/yr

The Talent Mine is partnering with a major technology company in the Seattle area to find an experienced Optical Network Engineer for a 12-month contract engagement. This is a high-impact role ...

Optical Network Engineer

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Seeking a highly experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead the evaluation and optimization of optical technologies across our next-generation transport networks. In this critical role, you will be ...

Optical Network Engineer

Seattle, WA

$147K - $190K/yr

The Talent Mine is partnering with a major technology company in the Seattle area to find an experienced Optical Network Engineer for a 12-month contract engagement. This is a high-impact role ...

Optical Network Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท 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 ...

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX ยท 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 ...

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

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

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX

$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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Optical Network Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optical Network Engineer position, 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.

What is an Optical Network Engineer job?

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.

More about Optical Network Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Network Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Network Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Network Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Network Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Optical Network Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Network Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Network Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Network Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Optical Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Optical Network Engineer

CompQsoft,Inc .

Fort George G Meade, MD โ€ข On-site

$143K - $185K/yr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Title: Optical Network Engineer

Location: Fort Meade MD ( Hybrid)

Clearance required: Secret Clearance

Certification required by project: IAT Level 2

COMPQSOFT Inc. is seeking an Optical Network 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.