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Optical Networking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Optical Systems Architect

San Jose, CA

$284K/yr

The Network Infrastructure group is at the heart of a revolution to connectivity, pushing the ... As part of Nokia's Optical Architecture group, you will have a unique opportunity to lead the ...

Nokia

PIC TROSA Optical Controls

San Jose, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

... optical networking systems. NION2026 Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport ...

Nokia

Optical Systems Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$284K/yr

The Network Infrastructure group is at the heart of a revolution to connectivity, pushing the ... As part of Nokia's Optical Architecture group, you will have a unique opportunity to lead the ...

Nokia

PIC TROSA Optical Controls

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

... networking systems. NION2026 Responsibilities Design, implement and validate controls for digital coherent optical modules. Qualifications Ph.D. in Electrical or Optical Engineering + 5 years of ...

Glow Networks

Optical Resident Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

Resident Engineer role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities from network strategy, design ... optical power budgets and in-depth knowledge of different types of amplifiers. - 7+ years ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

... optical networking solutions. Responsibilities * Translate system requirements into detailed line card architecture in collaboration with peer engineering groups. * Lead complex technical ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

... optical networking solutions. Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks ...

NEC Labs

ONS - Research Intern 2026

Princeton, NJ

The Optical Networking and Sensing department invites applications for summer 2026 internships. We are seeking individuals with strong problem-solving skills and technical abilities, to work with us ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

... optical networking solutions. Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

... optical networking solutions. Responsibilities * Translate system requirements into detailed line card architecture in collaboration with peer engineering groups. * Lead complex technical ...

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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 Systems Architect

Optical Systems Architect

Nokia

San Jose, CA

$284K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Nokia rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 76 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

In an increasingly connected world, the pandemic has highlighted just how essential telecom networks are to keeping society running. The Network Infrastructure group is at the heart of a revolution to connectivity, pushing the boundaries to deliver more and faster network capacity to people worldwide through our ambition, innovation, and technical expertise

Join Optical Networks division, where innovation meets scale in the AI-driven data center era. With the recent acquisition of Infinera, we've united two industry leaders to create an optical networking powerhouse-combining cutting-edge technology with proven leadership to redefine the future of connectivity.
As part of Nokia's Optical Architecture group, you will have a unique opportunity to lead the design and architecture ofnovel optical DWDM communication systems. You will be responsible for architecting and implementing new optical hardware and software platforms in collaboration with our Systems Architecture, Systems Engineering and Software Development teams. 

    • Excellent foundational knowledge of DWDM systems, transmission fiber effects and how to consider them in a DWDM system design 

    • Hands-on experience with DWDM transmission systems including coherent transponders, EDFAs, Raman amplifiers and ROADMs 

    • Working knowledge of closed loop and open loop control systems 

    • Knowledge of advanced coherent modulation formats including practical experience with their transmission in long haul systems 

    • Excellent communication and presentation skills 

    • Highly motivated team player adept at cross-functional, cross-cultural and international teamwork
      Education & Experience Requirements: 

    • Ph.D. in Optics/Engineering/Physics + minimum 8 years of relevant work experience 

Your key responsibilities will include the technical leadership for a DWDM line system design, with following aspects: 

    • Close alignment with Product Line Management on product requirements 

    • Architecture of a DWDM line system considering fiber and line systems elements' transmission characteristics, including signal power/OSNR evolution and fiber nonlinearities 

    • Architecture, design and validation of distributed, link-level optical line system control systems in close co-operation with SW development and test teams 

    • Development of system design rules and performance models 

    • Demonstration of new optical transmission technologies to key customers 

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