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Optical Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Reston, VA

$135K/yr

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

Oracle Corporation

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Collaborate with engineers from L1 optical engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables ...

Oracle

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Collaborate with engineers from L1 optical engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables ...

Oracle

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Collaborate with engineers from L1 optical engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables ...

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Optical Network Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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?

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.

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Optical Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Principal Optical Network Engineer (Starlink Ground Network)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$180K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 hours ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
PRINCIPAL OPTICAL NETWORK ENGINEER (STARLINK GROUND NETWORK)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
We are building a global fleet of gateway stations to support the Starlink network and make up the internet interfacing backbone of the network. We are looking for creative and driven optical engineers to spearhead the design and development of innovative fiber optic connectivity solutions that bind thousands of satellites in the space to the internet points of presence across the globe. Engineers on this team are curious about new possibilities, have strong judgement, and work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and develop optical connectivity solutions for the Starlink ground network infrastructure
  • Develop and maintain lab and production test stations for new product qualification and root cause analysis of operational fleet hardware
  • Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python for engineering design verification
  • Work with ground networking and space network teams to scale the Starlink network physical layer and optimize traffic flow
  • Develop tools and solutions to proactively monitor the health and availability of the optical infrastructure and lead continuous reliability improvement initiatives

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, applied physics, or an engineering discipline
  • 7+ years of experience in designing optical experiments and developing test automation (internships, student projects, extracurricular project experience, and professional experience all qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and work both independently and within team to achieve high-quality results
  • Fundamental understanding of DWDM transmission systems, communications theory, and/or integrated photonics or optical subsystems
  • Experience in optical network design, planning, and DWDM system performance analysis
  • Hands-on experience with optical device or system level test and characterization
  • Experience in designing and creating test software infrastructure
  • Experience in any scripting/programming language (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
  • Experience performing data extraction, visualization and analysis using programming languages (e.g., Python) or SQL
  • Experience with IP networking and traffic flow fundamentals

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Network Engineer/Principal: $180,000.00 - $260,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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