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Optical Network Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Optical Packaging/Component Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

The company was founded in 2019 by leading technologists from the optical networking industry with a track record of delivering breakthrough products. (www.avicena.tech) About the role: Develop and ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$139K - $258K/yr

... networking systems. NION2026 Responsibilities Design, implement and validate controls for digital coherent optical modules. Summary Individual contributor engineering position responsible for design ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

... optical networking systems. NION2026 Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport ...

The Network Infrastructure group is at the heart of a revolution to connectivity, pushing the ... As part of Nokia's Optical Architecture group, you will have a unique opportunity to lead the ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

... optical networking solutions. Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks ...

Micro Optics Fabrication Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

The company was founded in 2019 by leading technologists from the optical networking industry with a track record of delivering breakthrough products. (www.avicena.tech) About the role: Experienced ...

Optical Systems Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$147K - $274K/yr

The Network Infrastructure group is at the heart of a revolution to connectivity, pushing the ... As part of Nokia's Optical Architecture group, you will have a unique opportunity to lead the ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Network information

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in optical network roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in optical network roles often encounter challenges such as managing high-bandwidth demands, ensuring network reliability, and troubleshooting complex fiber optic issues. Keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies and maintaining compatibility with legacy systems can also be demanding. Addressing these challenges involves continuous learning, effective collaboration with cross-functional teams like network engineers and field technicians, and utilizing advanced monitoring tools to quickly identify and resolve issues. Employers typically support professional development through training programs and certifications, helping team members stay current with industry advancements.

What are Optical Networks?

Optical networks are communication systems that use light signals, typically transmitted through fiber optic cables, to transfer data over long distances at very high speeds. These networks are widely used by internet service providers, telecom companies, and large organizations to support bandwidth-intensive applications and services. Optical networks provide advantages such as high capacity, low latency, and resistance to electromagnetic interference, making them essential for modern data transmission.

What is the difference between Optical Network vs Network Technician?

AspectOptical NetworkNetwork Technician
CertificationsFiber Optic Certification, Cisco CCNACompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentFiber optic installation, maintenance, and troubleshootingNetwork setup, hardware troubleshooting, and support
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providersIT departments, telecom companies

Optical Network specialists focus on fiber optic systems, requiring specific certifications and working primarily in telecommunications. Network Technicians handle broader network infrastructure, including wired and wireless systems. While both roles involve network troubleshooting, Optical Network roles are specialized in fiber optics, whereas Network Technicians work across various network types.

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 solid understanding of fiber optic communication, network design, and transmission protocols, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical networking equipment (like DWDM/OTN systems), network management software, and certifications such as Cisco or Juniper are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you work collaboratively and resolve complex network issues. These skills are vital for ensuring high-speed, reliable data transmission and minimizing network downtime in today's data-driven environments.
What job categories do people searching Optical Network jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Network jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Optical Network job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Optical Network Dev Engineer, AWS Networking NPD Interconnects Team

Optical Network Dev Engineer, AWS Networking NPD Interconnects Team

Amazon

Cupertino, CA

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,012 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Do you like to use network and Unix systems engineering to deliver simple, sustainable, and repeatable solutions. Would you like to play a key role in driving the stability and sustainability of next-generation IP networks?
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running.

We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain - and we're looking for talented people who want to help.
You'll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles.

You'll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you'll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
Amazon IntraDC team is looking for Optical network engineer. This team is responsible for architect/design, operate and build one of the world's largest and most complex optical networks

With Amazon Web Services our goal is to become "The Infrastructure Platform" to the world. Our customers demand the highest quality and reliability for their services.
As a member of this team, you'll have a unique opportunity to shape the development of our network.

The Amazon network is a fundamental contributor to the success of Amazon Web Services. This network will enable us to continue to scale the existing services, and to enable new services. You'll be chartered with leading the development of innovative optical solutions, which will change how we build optical infrastructure to support Amazon's ever growing capacity requirements.

You'll drive a step-change in Amazon's ability to provision, manage and monitor the network.
Up to 20% Travel Required
Key job responsibilities
- Collaborate with vendors/manufacturers to evaluate new hardware and software features and come up with implementation plans for incorporating them into the network.
- Collaborate with vendors/manufactures in defining and developing test plan for Optical Modules.
- Automate optical test plans and qualify optical modules


- Work with network operations team in identifying operation issues and improving quality and RMA process.
- Develop and track metrics around data collected from the production fleet
A day in the life
On an everyday basis as part of our team, you have the unique opportunity to understand the growing AWS network and our internal customers' requirement on interconnect solutions. You'll work backwards to devise hardware solutions by influencing the broad industry and/or to develop software tools with sister teams to maintain a highly available network that delights AWS customers.

You design and implement processes and mechanisms that both help the team to deliver business impact to the organization in a systemic way, while also helping to raise the bar on our operational excellence.
Operating at the scale we do, there is no blueprint for how to do what we do, which encourages our engineers to identify and develop simple solutions to complex problems. We encourage durable solutions that look around corners while taking into consideration our customer needs from a cost, performance, and reliability perspective. We work closely with our internal partners that design, build and operate the network to ensure that our solutions meet their needs and exceed their expectations.
About the team
Within AWS Networking the NPD (Network Product Development) organization is responsible for, designing the hardware, building the software, and owning the interconnects for the routers that power the global AWS network

Beyond product delivery we actively manage the fleet or routers in a network that grows by 70% annually. This means tracking key business and operational metrics to ensure that we operate smoothly and minimize or eliminate customer impact due to device related issues for a transparent AWS customer experience.
About AWS
Diverse Experiences
AWS values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply

If your career is just starting, hasn't followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don't let it stop you from applying.
Why AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating - that's why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it's in our nature to learn and be curious

Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon (gender diversity) conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Mentorship & Career Growth
We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer. That's why you'll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional


Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there's nothing we can't achieve in the cloud.


EEO/Accommodations
AWS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace to deliver the best results for our customers. Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status; we celebrate the diverse ways we work. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please let us know and we will connect you to our accommodation team.

You may also reach them directly by visiting please https://www.amazon.jobs/en/disability/us.


What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Amazon logo

About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US