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Optical Networking Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Asiacom Americas Inc

Field Engineer

Sterling, VA

... fiber optic network cabling. 3. Perform ongoing calibration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of enterprise servers running on Red-Hat Linux to ensure proper performance levels are sustained. 4. ...

Asiacom Americas Inc

Field Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

... fiber optic network cabling. 3. Perform ongoing calibration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of enterprise servers running on Red-Hat Linux to ensure proper performance levels are sustained. 4. ...

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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 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.

Optical Technician / Optician

Eye Care Partners Career Opportunities

Virginia Beach, VA

$16.25 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

EyeCare Partners is the nation's leading provider of clinically integrated eye care. Our national network of over 300 ophthalmologists and 700 optometrists provides a lifetime of care to our patients with a mission to enhance vision, advance eye care and improve lives. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, over 650 ECP-affiliated practice locations provide care in 18 states and 80 markets, providing services that span the eye care continuum. For more information, visit www.eyecare-partners.com.

SUMMARY

An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is trained to dispense and fit glasses and contacts, working from the prescriptions written by Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. They connect the patient's needs to the goods and services offered.

LOCATION

  • Work is primarily performed in a standard office or clinical setting. However, travel to other locations may be required to carry out essential job duties and responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Embrace and execute our Total Patient Experience to build relationships with all patients while delivering great medical support
  • Determine patient wants and needs and selling to exceed their expectations
  • Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color, coordinating frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions
  • Able to operate the auto-lensometer and manual lensometer
  • Educate and recommend specific lenses, lens coatings and frames to suit patient needs
  • Can accurately collect measurements such as bridge, eye size, temple length, seg heights, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and pantoscopic tilt
  • Dispense patient orders and repair and adjust patient frames
  • Dispense all glasses and/or contact lens orders using current process

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Previous medical office experience preferred; previous ophthalmic experience strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 1 year in a position interacting with customers/patients or the equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Favorable result on background check as required by state
  • Must be able to provide proof of identity and right to work in the United States

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or GED required.

LICENSES AND CREDENTIALS

  • ABO and NCLE certifications preferred but not required.

SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • This role requires a variety of physical activities to effectively perform essential job functions. The position involves frequent walking (75%), sitting (50%), and standing (50%), with regular bending, stooping, and reaching (25–50%). Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull items up to 25 lbs. Strong fine motor skills and full use of hands are essential, as the role demands constant grasping, writing/typing, and use of technology. Visual and auditory acuity—including color, depth, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus—is required 100% of the time. Occasional driving or climbing may also be necessary.

If you need assistance with this application, please contact (636) 227-2600. Please do not contact the office directly – only resumes submitted through this website will be considered.

EyeCare Partners is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

NOTE: Job descriptions are intended to be accurate reflections of those principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions about jobs. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.