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Optical Networking Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Broadbandps.com

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Fiber Splicing 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 ...

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. ...

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. ...

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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 Jun 11, 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 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 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.
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 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,210 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Network Planning Manager

Network Planning Manager

Jericho HR Group

Waynesboro, VA

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Network Planning Manager
Location: Waynesboro, VA or Charleston, WVA
The Manager, Network Planning - Outside Plant (NPO) will be responsible for managing a team who design and develop engineering documentation to support the fiber optic network. Responsibilities include but are not limited daily technical guidance and assistance to support engineering staff. The candidate will assist the Director Network Engineering with budgets, project coordination, scheduling and implementation of network related projects. Ability to perform OSP and equipment cost studies, build estimates/analysis, and business cases are mandatory requirements. This position will play a key strategic role in coordinating and planning with Enterprise/Wholesale sales teams and Engineers regarding current, future and past opportunities, Operations teams for network optimization, as well as the Type II Access group in identifying cost saving opportunities.
The candidate should possess an understanding of telecommunications in general, telecomm products, and CLEC/ILEC/ RLEC to long distance carrier connectivity. Experience in client project management, service management, service delivery, outside plant and service activation/network operations management is pertinent to the position.
The applicant should also have knowledge and experience in understanding business requirements, translating business requirements into business processes, business work metrics and business process improvement.
Responsibilities will also include; measuring employee workload, scheduling and leading Teams in meeting the workload and evaluating the quality of the work products in the forms of network diagrams, fiber provisioning documents and related documents.
    Demonstrated ability to communicate with Sales, Sales Engineering, cross functional teams and C-Suite persons is required.
    Knowledge with CAD and reading and writing fiber network schematics is required.
    Familiarity with M4, Street Atlas, Google Earth and similar geographic information systems is desired.
    Experience with other telecommunications asset inventory systems such as Granite and/or Metasolv is desired.
    Design of the telecommunications industry and its practices/standards pertaining to the fiber construction, costing, DWDM, Ethernet, SONET, and CLEC facilities.
    Must have skills in defining, evaluating, solving and presenting alternatives to complex engineering problems and in applying engineering and economic principles while conducting studies and surveys to analyzing a technical system or design into component parts.
    Must have knowledge of CLEC design and implementation requirements.
Requirements:
    Two year degree and 10 years of experience.
    Bachelor degree in Arts, Business, Science or Engineering and five years of business experience
    Or Master's degree and three years of business experience Preferred.
    College/University/Technical school and years of experience will be considered.
    Ability to use Microsoft Office software is required to include email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio.
    Relational dBase experience is desired but not required.

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