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Optical Networking Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

V2X

Network Engineer- TS/SCI Clearance

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Optical networking technology and engineering * Satellite communications engineering Qualifications Education / Certifications: One-year related experience may be substituted for one year of ...

shentel

Engineer Sales Sr

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), Optical Networking, LAN/MAN/WAN technologies. • Voice Network technologies and protocols (VoIP, SIP, MGCP) • Access technologies (FTTH, DSL, DOCSIS ...

shentel

Engineer Sales Sr

Richmond, VA

Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), Optical Networking, LAN/MAN/WAN technologies. • Voice Network technologies and protocols (VoIP, SIP, MGCP) • Access technologies (FTTH, DSL, DOCSIS ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Lead Technician

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Support the Site Supervisor with the planning, coordination, and execution of fiber optic network projects, including new builds, upgrades, and repair activities. * Provide hands-on leadership during ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Lead Technician

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Support the Site Supervisor with the planning, coordination, and execution of fiber optic network projects, including new builds, upgrades, and repair activities. * Provide hands-on leadership during ...

Agile Defense

Network Design Engineer Lead

Mclean, VA

$150K - $165K/yr

Passive Optical Networking (PON) * Familiar with Juniper network equipment and network management * Cisco Prime * IT PIE US * Army network design standards Working Conditions * Ability to lift and ...

Shentel

Engineer Sales Sr

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), Optical Networking, LAN/MAN/WAN technologies. * Voice Network technologies and protocols (VoIP, SIP, MGCP) * Access technologies (FTTH, DSL, DOCSIS ...

Agile Defense

Network Design Engineer Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Passive Optical Networking (PON) * Familiar with Juniper network equipment and network management * Cisco Prime * IT PIE US * Army network design standards Working Conditions * Ability to lift and ...

KBR

Network Analyst

Dulles, VA

$160K - $195K/yr

Demonstrated understanding of networking systems and equipment * PSTN experience:Familiarity with ... Fiber optic systems:Knowledge of fiber optic cable characteristics, including engineering ...

KBR, Inc

Network Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160 - $196/hr

Demonstrated understanding of networking systems and equipment * PSTN experience: Familiarity with ... Fiber optic systems: Knowledge of fiber optic cable characteristics, including engineering ...

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Optical Networking information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical networking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical networking in Virginia is $21.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical networking?

Optical networking is a communication method that uses light signals transmitted through optical fibers to transfer data over long distances at high speeds. It is the backbone of modern telecommunications, enabling high-capacity internet, telephone, and video services. Optical networks use devices like lasers, fiber-optic cables, and photodetectors to convert electrical signals into light and back, allowing for extremely fast and reliable data transmission. This technology is essential for supporting the growing demand for bandwidth in today's digital world.

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

Professionals in optical networking often encounter challenges such as maintaining network reliability, troubleshooting signal degradation, and integrating new technologies with legacy systems. These issues require a proactive approach to monitoring network performance, continuous learning to stay current with evolving technologies, and strong collaboration with cross-functional teams such as network architects and field engineers. Addressing these challenges typically involves leveraging advanced diagnostic tools, participating in ongoing training, and adhering to industry best practices for installation and maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical networking engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Networking Engineer, you need a solid understanding of optical communication principles, fiber optic technologies, and network protocols, typically backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as optical spectrum analyzers, OTDRs, and certifications like Cisco CCNP or ONF-Certified SDN Associate is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help professionals excel in design, troubleshooting, and collaboration. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure reliable high-speed data transmission and efficient network infrastructure in telecommunications environments.

What is the difference between Optical Networking vs Network Technician?

AspectOptical NetworkingNetwork Technician
CertificationsFiber Optic certifications, Cisco CCNACompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentFieldwork installing and maintaining fiber optic systemsOffice and on-site troubleshooting of network hardware
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providersIT departments, service providers
Job FocusDesign, install, and maintain optical fiber networksConfigure, troubleshoot, and repair network hardware and software

Optical Networking specialists focus on fiber optic systems, while Network Technicians handle broader network hardware and software. Both roles require certifications like Cisco CCNA, but Optical Networking emphasizes fiber optics expertise. The roles often overlap in telecommunications and IT industries, but their specific tasks and environments differ.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Networking jobs in Virginia?

For Optical Networking jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Networking jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Networking jobs in Virginia are:

Optical Networking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Networking job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,210 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Network Design Engineer

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Arlington, VA • On-site

$125K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.
Position Overview
Our By Light team, the premier providers of innovative Information Technology (IT) services and communications support to the Department of Defense and Federal Agencies, is growing. We're increasing our team to support the US Army Comprehensive Modernization (COMPMOD) program. The program delivers end-to-end EFIS&T services-including survey and design through installation, security, and testing. This work spans NIPR and SIPR networks, Wi-Fi, VoIP, ISP/OSP infrastructure, and voice modernization across all CONUS Army installations.
The Network Design Engineer is responsible for the design and documentation of a MILDEP Campus Area Network. This position requires technical knowledge, skills and experience and the ability to direct technical resources in the completion of assigned tasks.
Responsibilities
  • Develop engineering assessments of different configurations including the review of work products for correctness, adherence to the design concept and to customer standards, and for progress in accordance with schedules.
  • Coordinate with the Project and/or Program Manager to ensure problem solution and user satisfaction and with the Lead Engineer on network architecture and design decisions.
  • The Network Design Engineer makes recommendations, if needed, for approval of major systems installations, prepares milestone status reports and deliveries/presentations on the system concept to colleagues, subordinates, and end user representatives.
  • The Network Design Engineer will adhere to U.S. Army engineering processes during the development of all submissions; identify additional processes and documentation formats, as necessary submit site specific reports and drawings to Government for review and approval and adhere to the Government's established process for reviewing, updating, approving, and disseminating Design and Engineering documents.

Required Experience/Qualifications
  • BA/BS in a technical discipline with at least 10 years of experience in a similar role.
  • Cisco CCNA certification
  • This position requires technical knowledge, skills and experience and the ability to direct technical resources in the completion of assigned tasks to include but not limited to network design upgrades, development of configurations and cutover plans, staging and pre-configuration, execution of the cutover plans, and documentation and system testing
  • The Design and Engineering Site Lead must be experienced and familiar with the design and configuration of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks including spanning tree, software defined networking, VLANs, Virtual Network Identifiers (VNI)s, VXLANS, VRFs, Hostnames, OEM equipment from CISCO.
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with team members of different abilities, backgrounds, and skillsets
  • Proven ability of delivering products on time or ahead of schedule

Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Cisco CCNP and/or CCDP certification
  • Passive Optical Networking (PON)
  • Familiar with Juniper network equipment and network management
  • Cisco Prime
  • IT PIE
  • US Army network design standards

Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • Active Secret Clearance or higher
  • Must be able to travel up to 30% of the time on deployments for CONUS locations

Salary Range
Salary Minimum: $125,000
Salary Maximum: $165,000
The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

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