1

Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$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 ...

Senior Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Technical proficiency with physical layer infrastructure, including copper and fiber optic cabling ... network monitoring and management tools. * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a ...

Senior Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Technical proficiency with physical layer infrastructure, including copper and fiber optic cabling ... network monitoring and management tools. * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a ...

New

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

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

Network Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of fiber optic cable characteristics, including engineering, installation, and maintenance * RF technologies: Experience with RF-related technologies and their integration into network ...

Senior Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Technical proficiency with physical layer infrastructure, including copper and fiber optic cabling ... network monitoring and management tools. * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a ...

Senior Network Engineer

Arlington, VA

$119K - $163K/yr

Senior Network Engineer Location: Washington, DC (Onsite) Terms: Full-time Salary: 155,000 - 170 ... Experience connecting physical network connections including splicing wired and optical cabling as ...

Senior Network Engineer

Lorton, VA

$105K - $144K/yr

Senior Network Engineer Location: Washington, DC (Onsite) Terms: Full-time Salary: 155,000 - 170 ... Experience connecting physical network connections including splicing wired and optical cabling as ...

Senior Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$150K - $160K/yr

Technical proficiency with physical layer infrastructure, including copper and fiber optic cabling ... network monitoring and management tools. * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a ...

Senior Network Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

The Senior Network Engineer is a key personnel, and identifies and resolves larger, more complex ... Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) * EIA/TIA cable standards and specifications * Experience ...

New

Senior Network Engineer

Alexandria, VA

$111K - $152K/yr

Senior Network Engineer Location: Washington, DC (Onsite) Terms: Full-time Salary: 155,000 - 170 ... Experience connecting physical network connections including splicing wired and optical cabling as ...

Senior Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150K - $160K/yr

Technical proficiency with physical layer infrastructure, including copper and fiber optic cabling ... network monitoring and management tools. * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 19, 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 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:

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.

$132K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services


Job description

SAIC has an immediate opening for a Long-Haul Network Engineer with a background in Information Technology (IT) Network Engineering and Project Management to oversee the cost, schedule, and performance activities associated with procurement of Commercial Carrier long-haul circuits.  The successful applicant will participate within a team of Systems Engineers and Technical Advisors (SETAs) overseeing the design, delivery, enhancement, and recapitalization of a large-scale, physical layer infrastructure.  Ability to travel is a requirement of this position.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

The successful candidate must be able to:

  • Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed, high-capacity optical communications systems and equipment
  • Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed switching layer (SONET, Carrier Ethernet) technologies and architectures
  • Demonstrate a working level knowledge of installation and integration of fiber optic telecommunications systems
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform requirements analysis, schedule reviews, and cost estimations
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct risk assessments and analysis of current and proposed architectures
  • Develop circuit specifications, test methodologies, and exercise testing techniques to verify that circuits meet all required specifications
  • Provide engineering for optical circuit design, integration, testing, and troubleshooting efforts
  • Perform technical evaluation of vendor documentation, including network designs and technical details
  • Review daily assessment reports of network health and performance, and provide technical guidance to operations personnel and vendors as necessary to resolve network performance issues
  • Independently interact with network and transport services providers to resolve network anomalies and performance issues
  • Serve as Transport Services site liaison for various locations
  • Update the configuration management database for the customer's transport network
  • Successfully work independently, as well as within team dynamics
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. Work experience in the areas detailed in the Description of Duties of more than eleven (11) years in lieu of a degree may be considered
  • 10-years' experience with high-speed Terrestrial Telecommunications systems
  • PMP certification is a plus, but not required
  • ITIL certification is a plus, but not required
  • Active Top Secret (TS) / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance with current poly

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom