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Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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

Network Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Network Engineer The Network Engineer is primarily responsible for supporting HPC data center ... Knowledge of modern data center fiber optic cabling and connector standards. * Moderate technical ...

The Network Engineer II is responsible for designing, deploying, and maintaining network ... fiber optics, and PoE systems. • Familiarity with Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching/routing. • ...

Senior Network Engineer

Bexar, TX · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

The Senior Network Engineer for Europe is a key personnel position, and identifies and resolves ... Experience with various Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR), cable testers, network sniffers ...

Senior Network Engineer

Texas City, TX · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Troubleshoot and resolve Layer 1 and Layer 2 issues involving cabling, fiber, optics, patching ... Network Engineering -** The process of orchestrating network traffic and data flow across the ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Network Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$77.3K

$133.8K

$157K

How much do optical network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical network engineer in Texas is $133,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,200.00 and $155,600.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Network Engineer jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Optical Network Engineer jobs in Texas are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Network Engineer jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Network Engineer jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Optical Network Engineer jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Optical Network Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Network Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $133,796 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Network Engineer, Deployment & Support

Meta

Houston, TX

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment Engineer to join a team responsible for planning and executing network deployments and migrations across one of the world's largest and most complex backbone, edge, and optical networks. As a member of this team, you will have a unique opportunity to work on projects related to the planning, implementation, and scaling of Meta's AI network infrastructure. This team is responsible for planning and executing network migrations for one of the world's largest AI backbone and edge networks. As a Network Deployment Engineer, you will propose new ideas, gather constructive feedback from stakeholders, and drive implementation of improvements.
Network Engineer, Deployment & Support Responsibilities:
  • Proactively partner with backbone engineering, capacity planning, business, and operations teams to synthesize complex cross-functional requirements into scalable infrastructure solutions
  • Plan, schedule, and execute complex deployments and migrations across Meta's optical backbone network, including long-haul terrestrial, regional metro, and subsea segments connecting data centers and PoP sites
  • Make independent, high-impact technical and planning decisions affecting backbone network deployment and operations
  • Provide technical expertise on network deployment and migration across data centers and POPs, spanning space & power, configuration, testing, and production handoff
  • Collaborate on strategic road mapping and organizational initiatives to prioritize scalable, efficient, and reliable network migrations aligned with business goals
  • Contribute to Optical Transport Network (OTN) deployment/migration strategies of network architecture spanning data centers, backbone, edge, and cloud platforms
  • Create and analyze network code, automate network configurations and migrations through scripting, and leverage AI to enhance network operations
  • Work cross-functionally to generate implementation plans including Method of Procedure (MOP), Bill of Materials (BOM), and Engineering Design Packages (EDP)
  • Maintain standards for all builds and design packages for metro, regional and long-haul DWDM rings/systems
  • Serve as a representative in large-scale program initiatives, driving alignment and execution across teams and stakeholders
  • Manage partner engineering team relationships to enable the team(s) to effectively meet business needs
  • Manage key vendor relationships including contract negotiations, pricing, and evaluation of current and potential partnerships
  • Drive alignment on workflow management tooling requirements, focusing on efficiency and automation roadmaps
  • Leverage a data driven approach to influence business and network health metrics

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience. Degree must be completed prior to joining Meta
  • 5+ years of experience in optical network engineering, design, or deployment with expertise in DWDM, ROADM, OTN (G.709), and coherent optics (400G/800G)
  • Experience with optical line systems and transponder platforms (e.g., Ciena, Nokia, Infinera, or equivalent)
  • Demonstrated expertise in architecting and deploying complex network solutions across data centers, backbone, edge, and public cloud environments
  • Experience with field-based work in 3rd Party Network Collocation Facilities, Internet Exchanges, Data Center, Central Offices, etc
  • Track record of defining and executing successful network strategies with measurable, organization-wide impact
  • Experience analyzing data to inform decisions, communicating technical plans and risks to stakeholders in writing, and collaborating across cross-functional teams to deliver results in large-scale contexts
  • Experience in communicating risks and action plans to stakeholders as well as building relationships and collaboration within a cross-functional team and business leaders
  • Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Experience working in a Data Center, DC architecture and issues related to data center networks
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience building automation workflows using Python, Go, or similar languages, and working with network configuration management tooling
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Working knowledge of Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning models
  • Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD) in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline
  • Experience with process improvement and systems development, leveraging automation to streamline repetitive workflows

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$106,995/year to $159,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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