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Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Plano, TX (NOW HIRING)

9997

Network Engineer III, Temporary

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

As the Network Engineer III, you will be instrumental in maintaining critical networking services ... and optical networking. However, hands on Aruba or Cisco enterprise networking experience are ...

Info-Ways

Network Data CCNP

Dallas, TX · On-site

Deploy & troubleshoot Cisco Routers, Switches, Optical network devices Add & manage new devices discovered in Network Management systems Handle escalations and troubleshoot problems Handle deployment ...

Plano ISD

Network Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

$285.01/day

... fiber optics Special Knowledge/Skills: * Demonstrated knowledge and experience configuring ... Knowledge and experience with the implementation and use of network monitoring, fault management ...

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Optical Network Engineer information

See Plano, TX salary details

$79.8K

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How much do optical network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical network engineer in Plano, TX is $138,037.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,000.00 and $160,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Optical Network Engineer jobs in Plano, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Optical Network Engineer jobs in Plano, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Network Engineer jobs in Plano, TX are:

What cities near Plano, TX are hiring for Optical Network Engineer jobs?

Cities near Plano, TX with the most Optical Network Engineer job openings:

Optical Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Network Engineer job openings in Plano, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,037 per year, or $66.4 per hour.

Network Engineering Manager (IP/MPLS,BGP Fiber ROADM, DWDM,)

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company

Dallas, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Network Engineering Manager to lead a team of Network Engineers while remaining hands-on with advanced IP/MPLS and optical networking technologies.

This is a technical leadership role, not a pure people-management position. The ideal candidate will have strong experience managing Network Engineers while maintaining hands-on expertise in BGP, MPLS, IS-IS, OSPF, traffic engineering, carrier Ethernet, and optical transport networks.

The manager will oversee network engineering projects, capacity planning, network modernization, technology evaluations, change management, and complex technical escalations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of approximately 3 Network Engineers.
  • Manage engineering projects involving network upgrades, migrations, implementations, and technology deployments.
  • Remain hands-on with IP/MPLS, routing, traffic engineering, and optical network technologies.
  • Manage weekly network capacity reports and identify future capacity requirements.
  • Evaluate and test new network technologies and provide recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Coordinate daily engineering assignments, workload, project priorities, reporting, and technical deliverables.
  • Develop project budgets, cost-benefit analyses, and resource plans.
  • Support current and future optical network designs, including ROADM and DWDM environments.
  • Provide technical oversight for network engineering tickets, workflows, implementations, and change management.
  • Lead laboratory testing and ensure accurate technical documentation.
  • Develop and review MOPs, test plans, implementation plans, network designs, and engineering documentation.
  • Serve as the first-line escalation point for Network Engineering on-call issues.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, and other technical teams to identify risks and resolve complex network issues.
  • Recruit, coach, develop, and conduct performance evaluations for Network Engineering staff.

Required Qualifications

  • 3–5+ years of experience directly managing or supervising Network Engineers.
  • Strong hands-on background in service-provider IP networking.
  • Advanced knowledge of MPLS, including LDP, RSVP-TE and/or Segment Routing concepts.
  • Strong experience with Layer 2/Layer 3 VPNs, Carrier Ethernet, and traffic engineering.
  • Deep hands-on BGP experience, including routing policies, communities, route reflectors, peering, transit, customer routing, and troubleshooting.
  • Strong experience with IS-IS and OSPF in large-scale routed networks.
  • Production experience with multiple network platforms, preferably Juniper, Cisco, Nokia, and Ciena.
  • Advanced knowledge of ROADM and DWDM optical networks.
  • Strong understanding of carrier network architecture, redundancy, resiliency, convergence, QoS, scalability, and operational supportability.
  • Ability to analyze routing tables, packet captures, forwarding behavior, telemetry, logs, and performance data to troubleshoot complex issues.
  • Strong project management, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience creating technical documentation, MOPs, test plans, and implementation plans.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Telecommunications, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
  • 15+ years of relevant network engineering experience is highly preferred.
  • Experience with coherent optics, wavelength services, and optical-layer troubleshooting.
  • Network automation experience using Python, Ansible, NETCONF, YANG, gNMI, or vendor APIs.
  • Experience with Segment Routing, EVPN, DCI, IP/optical convergence, network modernization, or large-scale backbone expansion.
  • Industry certifications such as JNCIP/JNCIE, CCNP/CCIE Service Provider, Nokia NRS, or Ciena certifications.
  • Experience with network inventory and order-management systems.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Visio.


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