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Optical Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Denver, CO

$162K/yr

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities: * Lead the technical strategy, architecture, and execution for your team's projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Reston, VA

$162K/yr

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities: * Lead the technical strategy, architecture, and execution for your team's projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment ...

Belcan

Network Engineer IV

Seattle, WA

$60 - $81.95/hr

Network Engineer IV Location: Seattle, WA Zip Code: 98109 Duration: 12 Months Pay Rate: $60 - 81.95 ... Should have a minimum 4 years of experience in a Optical Network Operations/Support role

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Denver, CO · On-site

$135K - $191K/yr

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment & Support Engineer to join the team responsible for planning and executing network deployments to build one of the world's largest optical backbone ...

Belcan

Network Engineer IV

Arlington, VA

$70 - $81.95/hr

Network Engineer IV Location: Arlington, VA Zip Code: 22202 Start Date: Right Away Pay Rate: $70 ... This role offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge DWDM technology and optical systems that ...

Belcan

Network Engineer IV

Arlington, VA · On-site

$70 - $81.95/hr

Network Engineer IV Location: Arlington, VA Zip Code: 22202 Start Date: Right Away Pay Rate: $70 ... This role offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge DWDM technology and optical systems that ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Denver, CO · On-site

$162K - $227K/yr

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment & Support Engineering Lead to join the team responsible for planning and executing network deployments to build the world's largest AI backbone ...

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical network engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
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What cities are hiring for Optical Network Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Network Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Network Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Network Engineer jobs are:
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Optical Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Meta

Denver, CO

$162K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 184 rated software companies

Job description

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment & Support Engineering Lead to join the team responsible for planning and executing network deployments to build the world's largest AI backbone network. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to work on cutting edge Optical and IP networking technologies owning the deployment planning, implementation, and scaling of Meta's AI network infrastructure.
Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities:
  • Lead the technical strategy, architecture, and execution for your team’s projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment, ensuring alignment with organizational direction and goals
  • Provide hands-on technical contributions (design, deployment, migrate, code reviews, troubleshooting, etc.) on large scale complex programs at the experienced engineer level, demonstrating domain expertise and technical impact
  • Drive strategic planning by building and executing six-month to multi-year roadmaps that support business growth and transformation. Balance high-level strategic approach with hands-on leadership to deliver results across a broad portfolio of initiatives
  • Ensure high standards for reliability, scalability, and performance in all deliverables, driving continuous improvement in engineering processes and technical quality
  • Collaborate cross-functionally across Network Engineering, Data Center, Network Investments, and Planning teams to ensure successful execution of shared goals on network delivery
  • Deploy, migrate and support our global production network including edge, backbone, and data center infrastructure
  • Manage key vendor relationships including contract negotiations, pricing, and evaluation of current and potential partnerships
  • Mentor and onboard new team members, raising the team’s overall technical acumen and building internal community
  • Demonstrate leadership behaviors by helping others, showing respect, connecting people, and driving collaboration within the team and organization
  • 10% to 30% of travel

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 8+ years of Network Engineering, including hands-on responsibility for planning, building, deployment or migrating production network environments
  • 5+ years experience working in Optical Network Engineering
  • Hands-on experience with enterprise and carrier class routing, switching, and optical transport platforms
  • Knowledge of data center design and operational best practices
  • Proven experience leading and executing network deployment and migration projects
  • Experience interacting with vendors and external parties to drive projects to completion

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • 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)
  • Experience with process improvement and systems development, leveraging automation to streamline repetitive workflows
  • Experience in data center, edge, or large-scale network environments
  • High proficiency in automation (Python, Go, etc.) and network configuration management tooling

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.
$162,000/year to $227,000/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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