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Optical Transport Engineer Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Principal Hardware Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Optical Transport Systems * Define and evaluate optical subsystem requirements including ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline ...

Optical Transport Systems * Define and evaluate optical subsystem requirements including ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline ...

Senior Hardware Engineer- Optical

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$106K - $141K/yr

Overview ADTRAN is seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing next-generation DWDM optical transport solutions. This role will contribute to the design ...

Overview ADTRAN is seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing next-generation DWDM optical transport solutions. This role will contribute to the design ...

Design, develop and test new software features on optical transport Network Element Controller ... Partner with engineers and architects (software and systems) at different sites and cultures to ...

Design, develop and test new software features on optical transport Network Element Controller ... Partner with engineers and architects (software and systems) at different sites and cultures to ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$106K - $141K/yr

Overview ADTRAN is seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing next-generation DWDM optical transport solutions. This role will contribute to the design ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Atlanta, GA

$106K - $141K/yr

Overview ADTRAN is seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing next-generation DWDM optical transport solutions. This role will contribute to the design ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Optical Hardware Engineer** to join our team developing next-generation DWDM optical transport solutions. This role will contribute to the design, evaluation, qualification, and integration of ...

Job Summary The System Integration Test Engineer will be responsible for planning, designing, developing, and testing new software features for ADTRAN's optical transport equipment within an Agile ...

System Integration Test Engineer I

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$100K - $134K/yr

Job Summary The System Integration Test Engineer will be responsible for planning, designing, developing, and testing new software features for ADTRAN's optical transport equipment within an Agile ...

... for ADTRAN's optical transport equipment within an Agile Development team.# Duties and ... Proficiency with Python programming language or other programming/scripting languages* Able to work ...

Senior Software Engineer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

Senior Software Engineer, WaveLogic Modem Software Development plays a critical role in delivering next-generation optical transport and switching capabilities at Ciena. This role contributes to ...

Senior Software Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

Senior Software Engineer, WaveLogic Modem Software Development plays a critical role in delivering next-generation optical transport and switching capabilities at Ciena. This role contributes to ...

Senior Software Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

$117K - $155K/yr

Senior Software Engineer, WaveLogic Modem Software Development plays a critical role in delivering next-generation optical transport and switching capabilities at Ciena. This role contributes to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Transport Engineer information

See Georgia salary details

$70.1K

$121.3K

$142.3K

How much do optical transport engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical transport engineer in Georgia is $121,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,900.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical transport engineer?

An Optical Transport Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining optical network infrastructure to ensure high-speed data transmission. They work with fiber-optic technology, wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM), and transport protocols to optimize network performance and reliability. Their role involves troubleshooting network issues, upgrading hardware, and collaborating with teams to support telecommunications and data center operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical transport engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Transport Engineer, you need a strong grasp of optical networking concepts, fiber optic communication, and a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with network management systems, DWDM/ROADM technologies, and industry certifications like Cisco or Juniper are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers excel in team environments and when troubleshooting network issues. These competencies are essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable and high-capacity optical transport networks.

What are some common challenges optical transport engineers face in their daily work?

Optical Transport Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex network outages, integrating new technologies with legacy infrastructure, and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades or maintenance. Staying current with rapidly evolving optical technologies and adhering to strict performance and security standards also add to the complexity of the role. However, these challenges foster continuous learning and skill development, and engineers often collaborate closely with network architects, field technicians, and vendors to resolve issues efficiently. Tackling these obstacles is crucial for maintaining high-quality, reliable network services.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Transport Engineer jobs in Georgia?

The most popular types of Optical Transport Engineer jobs in Georgia are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Transport Engineer jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Transport Engineer jobs in Georgia are:

Infographic showing various Optical Transport Engineer job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,262 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Principal Hardware Engineer

Adtran

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Welcome!
Our Growth is Creating Great Opportunities!
Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might interest you!
Thanks for your interest in working on our team!
Position Summary
ADTRAN is seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of next-generation Optical Transport and Coherent Pluggable solutions for metro, core, long-haul, and data center interconnect applications. This role is responsible for the architecture, design, validation, and production support of advanced optical networking products, including coherent transceivers, DWDM systems, and optical transport platforms. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert and collaborate across optical, electrical, firmware, FPGA, software, mechanical, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to deliver innovative, high-performance networking solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
  • Lead the hardware architecture and design of coherent pluggable transceivers and optical transport subsystems.
  • Drive technical decisions related to high-speed digital, RF, mixed-signal, and optical hardware design.
  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance to engineers across multiple product development teams.
  • Serve as the primary technical resource for complex engineering challenges and design reviews.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies, components, and architectures to support future product roadmaps.
Hardware Design & Development
  • Develop system architectures, block diagrams, schematics, and detailed hardware specifications.
  • Design and validate high-speed circuit boards supporting coherent optical communication systems.
  • Lead signal integrity, power integrity, and electromagnetic compatibility analyses.
  • Collaborate with PCB layout engineers to optimize designs for performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
  • Oversee hardware integration, verification, qualification, and release activities throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Support new product introductions and production transfers to manufacturing partners.
Optical Transport Systems
  • Define and evaluate optical subsystem requirements including:
    • Coherent pluggable modules
    • DWDM transport systems
    • Optical amplifiers
    • ROADM technologies
    • Wavelength-selective switches
    • Laser and photodetector-based subsystems
  • Perform system-level analysis, performance modeling, and design trade studies.
  • Work with suppliers to evaluate and qualify optical components and technologies.
Test & Validation
  • Develop test strategies, qualification plans, and validation methodologies.
  • Utilize laboratory equipment including:
    • Network analyzers
    • Spectrum analyzers
    • BER testers
    • Oscilloscopes
    • Optical measurement equipment
  • Analyze performance data and lead root-cause investigations.
  • Drive corrective actions and continuous product improvements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Systems, Software, FPGA, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Management teams.
  • Participate in customer, supplier, and executive technical reviews.
  • Support field deployments and resolution of complex customer issues when required.
  • Ensure projects meet performance, schedule, reliability, and cost objectives.
Required Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline required.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • Equivalent combination of education and directly related industry experience will be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience
  • 10+ years of hardware engineering experience in telecommunications, networking, or optical communications.
  • Significant experience designing high-speed electronic hardware and optical networking systems.
  • Proven experience developing coherent optical transceivers, optical transport platforms, or DWDM networking products.
  • Demonstrated success leading complex product developments from concept through production release.
Technical Skills
  • Expertise in coherent optical communications and pluggable transceiver technologies.
  • Strong knowledge of DWDM transport systems and optical networking architectures.
  • Experience with high-speed board design, signal integrity, and RF design techniques.
  • Proficiency with schematic capture and simulation tools such as Xpedition, HFSS, ADS, HyperLynx, or equivalent.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • S-parameters
    • Impedance matching
    • High-speed serial interfaces
    • Optical link budgets
    • Mixed-signal design
  • Experience with laboratory characterization and optical test equipment.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Testability (DFT), and product qualification methodologies.
Leadership Competencies
  • Strategic thinking and systems-level problem-solving ability.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to influence technical direction across multiple organizations.
  • Proven coaching and mentoring capabilities.
  • Strong project execution and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or Physics.
  • Experience with coherent optical systems and pluggable architectures.
  • Experience supporting hyperscale, carrier, or service provider optical networks.
  • Familiarity with automation, scripting, and data analysis tools.
  • Experience collaborating with global engineering and manufacturing teams.