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Optical Network Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Network Engineer, Deployment & Support

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$106K - $159K/yr

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment Engineering to join a team responsible for planning and executing network deployments and migrations across one of the world's largest and most ...

Saalex

Network Engineer

Corona, CA · On-site

$85K - $109K/yr

Saalex is seeking a Network Engineer in Corona, CA. Saalex is an Engineering and Information ... Support fiber optic systems, structured cabling, and IP-based communications * Integrate and ...

Saalex

Network Engineer

Corona, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $109K/yr

Saalex is seeking a Network Engineer in Corona, CA. Saalex is an Engineering and Information ... Support fiber optic systems, structured cabling, and IP-based communications * Integrate and ...

Saalex

Network Engineer

Corona, CA · On-site

$85K - $109K/yr

Saalex is seeking a Network Engineer in Corona, CA. Saalex is an Engineering and Information ... Support fiber optic systems, structured cabling, and IP-based communications * Integrate and ...

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All JobsOptical Network Engineer JobsOptical Network Engineer Jobs in California

Optical Network Engineer information

See California salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do optical network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical network engineer in California is $141,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical network engineer do?

An optical network engineer designs, implements, and maintains fiber optic communication systems used for high-speed data transmission. They troubleshoot network issues, optimize performance, and work with tools like network analyzers and optical testing equipment, often requiring knowledge of industry standards and certifications. Their role ensures reliable and efficient optical communication infrastructure.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced optical network engineers with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in senior positions or in high-demand markets. Such salaries often include bonuses, stock options, or other incentives and typically require extensive industry experience and specialized technical expertise.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical network engineers are in high demand due to the growing need for high-speed data transmission and expanding fiber optic infrastructure. They typically require skills in network design, troubleshooting, and familiarity with optical testing tools, making their expertise valuable in telecommunications and data center environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior optical network engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in fiber optics and network infrastructure can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual skills, with some earning through bonuses and stock options.

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 most commonly searched types of Optical Network Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Optical Network Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Network Engineer jobs in California? For Optical Network Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Network Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Network Engineer jobs in California are:
Optical Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Network Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,730 per year, or $68.1 per hour.
Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$158K - $204K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) Division has an immediate opening for an Optical Engineer to join our team.
In this role, you will serve as a senior optical network engineer within ESnet's Network Services group, with primary responsibility to apply a wide-range of expertise to the design, deployment, and operation of ESnet's international DWDM optical transport infrastructure, tightly integrated with ESnet's IP/MPLS backbone and science services. The position requires strong working knowledge of advanced routing protocols, such as BGP, IS-IS, Segment Routing and IP network services, as well as the ability to perform general network connectivity troubleshooting and end-to-end problem resolution across optical, IP, and application layers in a large-scale production environment. You will work closely with ESnet engineers, operations teams, scientific user sites, Regional Optical Networks (RONs), international partners, vendors, and carriers to deliver reliable, high-performance transport services that support mission-critical science.
The Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) provides high-bandwidth, highly reliable networking that enables scientists at national laboratories, universities, and research institutions to collaborate on some of the world's most important scientific challenges, including energy, climate science, and fundamental physics. Funded by the DOE Office of Science and operated by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, ESnet connects scientists to unique DOE facilities, large-scale computing resources, and global research partners.
The position involves significant technical ownership, project leadership, and cross-organizational collaboration.
What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with experienced professionals
  • Professional development and growth opportunities, including training and certification programs
  • Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options

You will:
  • Design, deploy, and operate large-scale DWDM optical transport systems, including link engineering, loss budgets, OSNR analysis, amplifier planning, and ROADM architectures.
  • Commission and maintain optical systems using industry best practices, including OTDR analysis, fiber characterization, and performance validation.
  • Act as a technical authority for ESnet transport platforms, providing expert guidance on system behavior, limitations, and optimization.
  • Integrate optical transport systems with ESnet's IP/MPLS backbone and advanced network services.
  • Provide escalation support for optical-related incidents and participate in an on-call rotation in support of 24x7 operations.
  • Troubleshoot complex, end-to-end network issues spanning optical, IP, and application layers across multiple administrative domains.
  • Lead transport-related projects from concept through deployment, including scope definition, scheduling, vendor coordination, and implementation.
  • Develop optical designs, capacity plans, and cost estimates to support infrastructure planning and procurement.
  • Evaluate new transport technologies, platforms, and features; contribute to ESnet's optical technology roadmap.
  • Maintain accurate technical documentation, designs, and operational procedures.
  • Network with key contacts outside own area of expertise.
  • Determine methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel.
  • Exercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
  • Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders including routing, operations, science engagement, software engineering, and business operations teams.
  • Coordinate with external partners such as vendors, carriers, and R&E peers to provision, modify, and optimize network services.
  • Provide technical mentoring and guidance to less-experienced engineers and contribute to the development of operational processes and training materials.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:
  • Exposure to or experience supporting long-haul and subsea fiber systems, including collaboration with providers on spectrum availability, wet-plant capabilities, and system constraints.
  • Experience working with international or inter-domain optical systems and partners.
  • Familiarity with large-scale capacity planning across heterogeneous optical infrastructures.

We are looking for:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, and 8 years of relevant networking experience, with significant depth in optical transport systems. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Demonstrated experience designing, deploying, and operating DWDM optical networks in production environments.
  • Strong understanding of WAN and LAN technologies and protocols, including IPv4/IPv6, BGP, IS-IS, MPLS, Segment Routing, and related services.
  • Experience leading technical projects, including defining scope, schedules, and budgets, and delivering results on time.
  • Hands-on experience with optical transport platforms from vendors such as Ciena and Nokia (Infinera)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative, service-oriented mindset.
  • Experience working in environments that use IT service management and project tracking tools (e.g., Jira, ServiceNow).
  • Experience with, or interest in, Research and Education (R&E) networking and DOE Office of Science programs is highly desirable.
  • Proficiency in optical system installation, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting in large-scale networks.
  • Ability to conduct and interpret network diagnostic tests using optical and IP test equipment.
  • Proven ability to write clear, accurate technical documentation, designs, and operational procedures.
  • Familiarity with automation, orchestration, or software-assisted network operations is a plus.
  • Proven ability to work independently on complex projects while contributing effectively within a team.
  • Demonstrated commitment to documentation, operational excellence, and continuous learning.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally for installations, upgrades, and strategic planning activities.

Additional information:
  • Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
  • Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $156,864 - $191,724, which fits into the full salary of $139,440 - $235,308 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
  • Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
  • Work modality: Work may be performed on-site preferably, may consider Remote. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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