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Optical Network Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Onsite • Should have a minimum 4 years of experience in a Optical Network Operations/Support role • Experience with the rollout and operations of large DWDM networks and Optical network ...

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 ...

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX

$103.10K - $141.20K/yr

Primarily focused on the development and support of high-speed fiber optic network fabric links and systems through a combination of a deep level understanding of optical cables of various types ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Optical Network information

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How much do optical network jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical network in the United States is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

More about Optical Network jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Network jobs? Cities with the most Optical Network job openings:
What states have the most Optical Network jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Network jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optical Network job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Sr. Optical Network Development Engineer, Network Product Development - Optics

Sr. Optical Network Development Engineer, Network Product Development - Optics

Amazon

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$128.30K - $175.80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,795 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th 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.
The Core Networking team is looking for a Sr. Optical Network Development Engineer to join our Network Product Development (NPD) team. As a Sr. Optical Network Development Engineer, you will be responsible for building, deploying and scaling the Amazon networks that support AWS, customers, and other business units, across multiple global data centers.
AWS Core Networking is focused on building Data Centers and the network that allows Data Centers to function efficiently. They own the solutions that allow racks to be aggregated and Data Centers to be interconnected. Core Networking's goal is to balance efficiency, performance and reliability to allow customers access to their applications and data.
Key job responsibilities
Optical Network Development Engineers perform high quality network and/or systems operations, deployments, scaling, technology refresh, sustaining engineering, best practices application, optimization, internal/external customer interactions, and produce appropriate technical documentation.
* Review/contribute to product designs and technology roadmaps.
* Drive product development activities and plans with customers and peers, be a key influencer.
* Troubleshoot complex problems and develop innovative solutions Focus on ambiguous problem areas in existing or new network architecture and systems development initiatives, propose and deliver projects that have a significant business and/or customer impact.
* Collaborate with vendors/manufacturers to evaluate new hardware and software features. Create implementations plans for incorporating them into the network.
* Automate optical test plans and qualify optical modules.
* Collaborate with vendors/manufactures in defining and developing test plans for Optical Modules.
* Work with network operations team in identifying operation issues and improving quality and RMA process.
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.
Working at AWS in the Core Networking Team
- Meet Matt, VP, Core Networking https://youtu.be/DqTStjRtjX4
- Meet Kensie, Network Development Engineer https://youtu.be/ezF3kpUAhWU
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.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- * BS in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering or equivalent worked experience.
- * 8+ years of work experience on optical communication systems or components.
- * 8+ years of experience with optical transceivers, IEEE standards and optical transceiver MSAs.
- * 4+ years of experience developing test scripts for optics validation and characterization.
- * 2+ years of experience working with optical and networking merchant silicon suppliers, manufacturing processes, and qualifications.
- * 1+ years of professional development experience with Python or a similar scripting language for automation scripting.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- * PhD or foreign equivalent in Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering or a related field.
- * In depth expertise in hardware and systems design and development, including DSPs and module management interfaces.
- * Expertise in debugging and troubleshooting hardware.
- * Experience working with ODM and CM suppliers of Optical Modules.
- * Experience in the product development lifecycle.
- * Ability to innovate or invent network solutions to business problems.
- * Team mentoring and technical team leadership experience
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company's reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, Cupertino - 183,000.00 - 247,600.00 USD annually

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About Amazon

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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