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Optical Networking Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Network Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$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

$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 ...

M1 Technology

Software and Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA

$177K - $210K/yr

Ethernet, IP routing, optical networking concepts, traffic generation and analysis * Experience developing in classified or air-gapped environments with restricted tooling * Experience with AWS ...

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GDH

Senior Systems Integration Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Experience supporting telecommunications and IT environments, including optical networking and SONET transport * Familiarity with metro ring architectures and wired/wireless infrastructure in mission ...

Broadband Power Solutions LLC

Fiber Supervisor

Linden, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Ability to understand mapping programs and key identifiers in a fiber optic network, read and utilize GPS units and record network positioning * Ability to prepare, splice and test FOC via use of ...

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Optical Networking information

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$10

$21

$36

How much do optical networking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 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 the highest paying networking job?

In the field of optical networking, senior roles such as Optical Network Architects or Network Engineering Managers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require advanced technical skills, certifications, and extensive experience in designing and managing complex optical networks.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to the growth of optical communication networks, data centers, and fiber optic infrastructure. Skills in photonics, laser systems, and network design increase employability, and certifications in optical technologies can enhance job prospects.

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 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 engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In the field of optical networking, senior engineering roles such as optical systems engineers, network architects, or engineering managers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require expertise in fiber optics, network design, and industry-standard tools, and may include bonuses and stock options that contribute to total compensation.

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 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.

Is AI going to replace network engineers?

AI is unlikely to fully replace network engineers in optical networking, as the role requires complex problem-solving, hands-on troubleshooting, and understanding of physical infrastructure. Instead, AI tools are expected to augment their work by automating routine tasks and analyzing large data sets, allowing engineers to focus on design, optimization, and strategic planning. Continuous learning and certification in networking technologies remain important for job security in this evolving field.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,210 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Senior Platform Engineer - Test Framework & Lab Automation with Security Clearance

Senior Platform Engineer - Test Framework & Lab Automation with Security Clearance

Legacy Consulting Services , LLC

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Locations**: Onsite in Arlington, VA or Herndon, VA, but would accept onsite Jessup, MD with occasional travel to VA. --- About the Role We are seeking experienced Software and Systems Development Engineers to support the design, development, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of a new Test Framework - a purpose-built test orchestration and asset management platform operating within a classified development environment. Contractors will work as members of the engineering team, contributing across the full software development lifecycle of the Test Framework and its operational use. The Test Framework is a distributed system that manages physical and virtual test infrastructure, orchestrates test execution, and stores and analyzes test results. It operates in an isolated environment with strict controls - creative problem-solving and debugging within those constraints is expected. The devices under test are embedded Linux systems operating in a physical lab network, so familiarity with embedded systems and networking is directly applicable. --- Responsibilities - Design and implement new features across all Test Framework subsystems: Test Manager (configuration, orchestration, results) and Asset Manager (reservation, configuration, tasking, device adapters)
  • Define and implement service APIs using IDLs
  • Develop and maintain device adapters that abstract physical lab hardware (test devices, traffic generators, packet switches, optical switches) behind generic interfaces, including adapters for embedded Linux devices accessed over the network
  • Implement and maintain datastores across multiple database technologies, e.g., PostgreSQL, GraphDB, DynamoDB
  • Deploy and manage the Test Framework using Amazon CDK
  • Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines in Gitlab Pipelines
  • Instrument and monitor services with CloudWatch, time series databases, and other alerting tools
  • Produce and maintain technical documentation
  • Provide technical support and guidance to users of the Test Framework
  • Triage and resolve production issues --- Required Qualifications - 5+ years of professional software development experience
  • Proficiency in Python or Rust; experience with both is a plus.
  • Proficiency in Bash scripting
  • Experience designing and building distributed systems
  • Experience defining service interfaces using an IDL
  • Experience with CI/CD pipeline design and implementation (GitLab CI, Jenkins, or equivalent)
  • Familiarity with containerization
  • Experience working in Linux/Unix environments, with an emphasis on console usage
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills --- Preferred Qualifications - Experience with Amazon CDK or other Infrastructure as Code technologies
  • Experience with embedded Linux systems
  • Knowledge of networking fundamentals relevant to embedded and lab environments: Ethernet, IP routing, optical networking concepts, traffic generation and analysis
  • Experience developing in classified or air-gapped environments with restricted tooling
  • Experience with AWS CloudWatch for observability: metrics, logs, alarms, and dashboards
  • Experience with test framework technologies, e.g., pytest, pytest-bdd, robot, behave, etc.
  • Background in hardware-in-the-loop or lab automation testing environments

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