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Optical Networking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marencor

Optical Network Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$110/hr

Role: Optical Network Engineer Location: Fremont, CA Salary: $110-120k Role Description: Deployment Engineer working on Backbone Network capacity deployment. This role will be focused on network ...

SN-Scientific Networking

Optical Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$153K - $198K/yr

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) Division has an immediate opening for an Optical Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will serve as a senior optical network engineer ...

Eliyan

Chief Optical Engineer

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Stay current on optical networking directions in AI datacenter infrastructure * Provide clear-eyed tradeoffs across VCSEL, uLED, and SiPho approaches * Advise where specialization is required versus ...

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How much do optical networking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical networking 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 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.
More about Optical Networking jobs
What states have the most Optical Networking jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Networking jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Networking jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Networking jobs are:
Optical Networking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Networking job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Optical Network / IXC Provisioning Engineer with Security Clearance

Optical Network / IXC Provisioning Engineer with Security Clearance

Encode

Melbourne, FL

Contractor

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Optical Network / IXC Provisioning Engineer to support the provisioning, activation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of mission-critical telecommunications circuits and optical transport infrastructure within the FTI environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong SONET, optical networking, and circuit provisioning expertise along with the ability to work collaboratively with engineering teams, telecommunications carriers, and field technicians. Key Responsibilities
Collaborate directly with IXC Deployment Teams, IXC Engineering, Telco Design Engineers, and Carrier Provisioning personnel to accurately document circuit designs.
Ensure carrier HUBs and circuits are properly documented within design and operational systems including MetaSolv, DICE, FINS, FMS, and related toolsets.
Maintain and verify FTI-POP design documentation to accurately reflect as-built network configurations.
Document design deviations and discrepancies and submit ClearQuest PTRs to capture design modifications and corrections.
Support scheduled maintenance activities including Moves, Adds, and Changes (MACs).
Coordinate and direct field technicians during installation and activation of SONET equipment, ancillary devices, and communication circuits.
Work with telecommunications carriers and field technicians to isolate and resolve issues during circuit activations.
Follow MetaSolv/DICE workflow processes and maintain accurate IXC circuit database records during installations, activations, modifications, and disconnects.
Provision IXC circuits using Cisco Prime Optical (CPO) and Cisco Transport Controller (CTC).
Configure ancillary equipment including RAD RICi-16/EGATE-100, Cisco ASR1002/1001-X routers, DNX-11/88 platforms, and associated sub-rate circuit technologies.
Validate circuit provisioning in accordance with approved design documentation and resolve discrepancies before customer release.
Provide technical assistance to internal and external customers during service activations and circuit verification testing.
Monitor optical network alarms, investigate root causes, and minimize service disruptions.
Recommend process improvements and assist with updates to controlled documentation and operational procedures.
Assist with network issue analysis, testing procedures, and validation activities.
Support after-hours and weekend maintenance activities as required.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; OR Associate’s degree with a minimum of 8 years of related experience.
Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting FTI PNOCC operations including troubleshooting and restoration of network outages.
Strong understanding of NAS Operations ticket management and scheduled maintenance procedures.
Experience working with SONET equipment and optical transport networks.
Thorough understanding of Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, DS1/T1, DS3, VT1.5, VT/VTV, STS1, STSV, and OC3–OC192 circuit technologies.
Experience provisioning and acceptance testing telecommunications circuits.
Familiarity with trouble ticketing systems, change management, and operational processes.
Experience with Cisco Prime Optical (CPO), Cisco Transport Controller (CTC), and Fujitsu NetSmart.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to support after-hours maintenance activities and weekend work as required.
Preferred Qualifications
3+ years of hands-on experience with SONET and optical transport equipment including:
Cisco ONS-15310
Cisco ONS-15454
Fujitsu Flashwave 4500/9500 platforms
Experience with MetaSolv and DICE systems.
MEF-CECP certification preferred.
Experience supporting FAA or mission-critical telecommunications environments preferred.

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