ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Network Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CompQsoft Inc

$143K - $186K/yr

Optical Network Test Engineer Location: Fort Meade MD Clearance required by project: Active DOD Secret Certification required by project: IAT Level 2 or willing to obtain within 3 Months of joining ...

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC

We are looking for a Network Test Engineer, who will be testing high-speed optical transceivers and work cross departmentally to debug and troubleshoot to figure out root causes**Job Duties*

CompQsoft Inc

Network Test Engineer Location: Fort Meade, MD Clearance: DOD Secret or Higher Certification required by project: IAT Level 2 or willing to obtain within 3 Months of joining Requirements Overview ...

Koch Industries

Optical System Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Your Job As an Optical System Test Engineer you'll lead systems engineering and lab management for our cutting-edge DWDM optical network. You'll work with external technical experts and collaborate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHealthcare JobsOptical JobsOptical Manufacturing Technician JobsOptical Network Test Engineer Jobs

Optical Network Test Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical network test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical network test 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 does an optical network test engineer do?

An Optical Network Test Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and conducting tests on optical communication systems and networks to ensure their reliability and performance. This role involves using specialized equipment to measure signal quality, troubleshoot issues, and validate that optical networks meet technical standards and client requirements. Test engineers also analyze test data, prepare reports, and collaborate with other engineering teams to improve network performance and resolve faults. Their work is essential in maintaining high-speed, high-capacity data transmission over fiber optic infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical network test engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Network Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of optical communication principles, fiber optics, and network protocols, usually backed by a degree in electrical engineering or telecommunications. Familiarity with test equipment such as OTDRs, optical spectrum analyzers, and network management systems, along with certifications like Cisco CCNA or FOA CFOT, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the reliable deployment and maintenance of high-performance optical networks, minimizing downtime and optimizing network efficiency.

What are some common challenges optical network test engineers face during network deployment and how can they be addressed?

Optical Network Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as signal degradation, fiber splicing errors, and equipment compatibility issues during network deployment. To address these, engineers use specialized testing equipment like OTDRs and power meters to identify and isolate faults, and they work closely with installation teams to ensure proper handling of fibers. Staying updated on the latest industry standards and maintaining clear communication with network designers and vendors also helps resolve integration issues efficiently. Proactively documenting test results and troubleshooting steps can further streamline future maintenance and upgrades.

What is the difference between Optical Network Test Engineer vs Fiber Optic Technician?

AspectOptical Network Test EngineerFiber Optic Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications like FOA or Cisco CCNAUsually has technical certifications such as FOA or industry-specific training, high school diploma often sufficient
Work EnvironmentWorks in labs, network operation centers, or field testing sites, focusing on testing and troubleshootingPrimarily in the field installing, splicing, and maintaining fiber optic cables
Industry UsageUsed in telecom, internet service providers, and network infrastructure companiesCommonly employed by telecom companies, contractors, and installation firms

The Optical Network Test Engineer focuses on testing, analyzing, and troubleshooting optical networks to ensure performance and reliability, often requiring specialized certifications and working in controlled environments. In contrast, the Fiber Optic Technician handles installation and maintenance of fiber optic cables in the field, with a focus on physical work and less emphasis on testing protocols.

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

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

Optical Network Test Engineer

On-site

CompQsoft Inc
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about CompQsoft Incexternal

$143K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Optical Network Test Engineer
Location: Fort Meade MD
Clearance required by project: Active DOD Secret
Certification required by project: IAT Level 2 or willing to obtain within 3 Months of joining
Requirements
Overview:
COMPQSOFT Inc. is seeking an Optical Network Test Engineer to augment our DISA test team at Fort Meade, MD. The candidate will function as a subject matter expert (SME) in testing existing and new optical network equipment for the DOD's transport network. The candidate will work developing test cases, test reports and implementation plans in evaluating engineering architecture, new technologies and approaches to unique engineering problems. Candidate will also function as a Tier III Optical engineer assisting Tier II engineers and vendors to provide solutions to resolve real world Optical network issues.
Responsibilities (include, but not limited to)
  • Optical testing:
  • Analyze new/old optical transport equipment functionality and interoperability amongst various transport networks (Optical Transport Networks (OTN), Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Ethernet) and cryptographic equipment.
  • Operate various Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) test equipment in support of equipment testing.
  • Develop test cases, test reports and implementation plans based on equipment testing.
  • Perform interoperability testing between different vendors OTN equipment.
  • Perform interoperability testing between edge devices and OTN equipment.
  • Determine and provide Recommendations with supporting documentation for new equipment to be deployed not deployed in the operational network. Brief the group leads on project status.
  • Tier III Support:
  • Work with DISA Tier II optical engineers to identify, track, and develop solutions to complex network problems.
  • Mock-up equipment problems in the Test Lab to reproduce the problem and work toward a solution.
  • Engineering support:
  • Analyze new Optical transport equipment. Determine/identify functional capabilities of new equipment.
  • Provide SME support in identifying equipment capabilities.

Required Experience/Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree is preferred
  • Security+ certification or equivalent 8570 IAT II certification.(Should be able to obtain within 3 months from joining)
  • 5 + years of Optical systems engineering experience configuring, testing, designing, implementing, or troubleshooting telecommunication networks.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to collaborate test plans and reports with Government and equipment vendors.
  • Able to work with strict deadlines.
  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office suite to include Word, Excel, and Visio technical drawing program.
  • Ability to work along with no or little assistance to complete equipment testing.
  • Ability to work in a group to achieve the common goal to resolve complex network issues.
  • Extensive knowledge of Dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technologies.
  • Experience with SONET, DWDM, Time-division multiplexing (TDM) and Ethernet technologies.

CompQsoft provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and in the working environment to all employees and applicants. CompQsoft does not take any non-merit factors like race, color, religion, sex (gender), mental/physical disability, and age into account for purposes of recruitment, hiring and development

Apply