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Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Network Engineer, Operations & Support

Henrico, VA · On-site

$135K/yr

Network Engineer, Operations & Support Responsibilities: * Deploy, configure, and validate ... Partner with vendors and facilities teams to manage structured cabling, fiber-optic infrastructure ...

Meta

VA · On-site

$135K/yr

Network Engineer, Foundation & Support Responsibilities: * Support all aspects of data center ... Knowledge of enterprise and provider-level network hardware platforms (IP and optical)

Booz Allen Hamilton

Network Engineer

Lorton, VA

$62K - $141K/yr

Network Engineer The Opportunity: A well-designed network is critical to move data and enable the ... optical infrastructure networking, virtual routing and forwarding, Juniper SSR, AWS Gov Cloud you ...

BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON, INC.

Network Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

Network Engineer The Opportunity: A well-designed network is critical to move data and enable the ... optical infrastructure networking, virtual routing and forwarding, Juniper SSR, AWS Gov Cloud you ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Network Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

R0242179 Network Engineer The Opportunity: A well-designed network is critical to move data and ... optical infrastructure networking, virtual routing and forwarding, Juniper SSR, AWS Gov Cloud you ...

Meta

VA

$162K/yr

Network Engineer, Deployment & Support Responsibilities: * Participate in the design engineering ... Knowledge of enterprise and provider level network hardware platforms (IP + Optical)

Prince William County, VA

Sr. Network Engineer

VA · On-site

$91K - $152K/yr

Our Network Engineering team embraces innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration while ... optical diagnostics, and performance monitoring tools. * Lead network modernization projects ...

SAIC

Long Haul Network Engineer SETA

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC has an immediate opening for a Long-Haul Network Engineer with a ... Demonstrate a working level knowledge of installation and integration of fiber optic ...

SAIC

Long Haul Network Engineer SETA

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Provide engineering for optical circuit design, integration, testing, and troubleshooting efforts * Perform technical evaluation of vendor documentation, including network designs and technical ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Network Engineer JobsOptical Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Optical Network Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$82.3K

$142.4K

$167.1K

How much do optical network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical network engineer in Virginia is $142,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,900.00 and $165,600.00 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 Virginia?

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

What are popular job titles related to Optical Network Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Optical Network Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Optical Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Network Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,379 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

Network Engineer, Operations & Support

Meta

Ashburn, VA

$135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

Meta's Edge & Network Services team is responsible for the deployment and operational support of production networks spanning Edge, Backbone, Optical, and Datacenter infrastructure across Meta's global footprint. In this role, you will serve as a hands-on network engineer focused on site services and deployment, ensuring the reliability, scalability, and performance of production network infrastructure that underpins Meta's ability to connect billions of people worldwide. You will partner with cross-functional teams to execute network deployments, drive operational excellence, and contribute to the evolution of global network standards.
Network Engineer, Operations & Support Responsibilities:
  • Deploy, configure, and validate production network infrastructure including switching, routing, and optical transport equipment across data center and edge sites
  • Perform day-to-day operational support of site network services, including troubleshooting routing and switching protocol issues across BGP, IS-IS, MPLS, and RSVP-TE environments
  • Plan and execute scheduled maintenance activities including hardware upgrades, software migrations, and decommissioning of production network assets
  • Maintain accurate as-built documentation, asset inventory, and configuration records for all deployed network and physical infrastructure
  • Collaborate with network design and architecture teams to implement scalable deployment standards and contribute to the development of new site service solutions
  • Support integration and field testing of new hardware and software platforms prior to production rollout
  • Partner with vendors and facilities teams to manage structured cabling, fiber-optic infrastructure, and physical layer dependencies at production sites
  • Participate in an on-call rotation to provide 24x7 support for production network infrastructure and respond to network incidents
  • Identify opportunities to leverage automation and AI-assisted tooling to streamline deployment workflows, reduce manual effort, and improve operational consistency
  • Contribute to team-level goals by sharing operational learnings, documenting best practices, and advising cross-functional partners on complex network matters

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 6+ years of experience deploying, configuring, and operating large-scale production networks
  • Experience with physical network infrastructure including structured cabling, fiber-optic cabling, and data center facility operations
  • Experience working in multi-vendor network environments with hands-on exposure to enterprise or hyperscale networking hardware
  • Experience with network protocols including TCP/UDP, DHCP, and DNS, and hands-on experience with both IPv4 and IPv6 environments
  • Experience troubleshooting and configuring routing and switching protocols including BGP, IS-IS, MPLS, RSVP-TE, and VRRP
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Demonstrated use of AI tools to redesign or optimize network operations workflows, with measurable outcomes such as reduced deployment time or improved documentation accuracy
  • Experience with scripting and network automation using Python, Bash, or similar languages to improve deployment and operational workflows
  • Experience with 40G/100G Ethernet technologies and optical transport technologies including CWDM and DWDM
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience with field-based network operations in data centers, colocation facilities, internet exchanges, or central offices
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies

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.
$135,000/year to $191,000/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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