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Optical Transport Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Experis

Ciena DWDM Optical Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$45/hr

Ciena DWDM Optical Engineer Locations Available: Ashburn, VA Hours: 40/hrs Week, 5 Days/Week Onsite ... Perform hands-on troubleshooting and testing of optical transport networks within a data center ...

Astreya

Network Deployment Engineer II

Ashburn, VA

The Network Deployment Engineer II will design, develop, build and test systems and products based ... patch panels, and optical transport technologies * Proficiency in various operating systems

Meta

VA

$162K/yr

Network Engineer, Deployment & Support Responsibilities: * Participate in the design engineering ... optical transport technologies * Knowledge of enterprise and provider level network hardware ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Deployment & Support

Reston, VA

$162K/yr

Hands-on experience with enterprise and carrier class routing, switching, and optical transport platforms * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or ...

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Optical Transport Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$82.3K

$142.4K

$167.1K

How much do optical transport engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical transport engineer in Virginia is $142,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,900.00 and $165,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optical Transport Engineer job?

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 in the Optical Transport Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 Virginia? The most popular types of Optical Transport Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Transport Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Optical Transport Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Transport Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Transport Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Optical Transport Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Transport Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,379 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

Ciena DWDM Optical Engineer

Experis

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$45/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Our client, a leading organization in the telecommunications and technology sector, is seeking an Ciena DWDM Optical Engineer to join their team. In this role, you will provide hands-on support for Ciena 6500 DWDM and Optical Line System (OLS) infrastructure, including deployment, testing, troubleshooting, monitoring, and maintenance to ensure high availability and reliable network performance. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, proactive problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse team environment.

Job Title: Ciena DWDM Optical Engineer
Locations Available: Ashburn, VA
Hours: 40/hrs Week, 5 Days/Week Onsite - (Possibility of Shifts)
Pay Range: $45/hr

What's the Job?

  • Support the deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting of Ciena DWDM (Ciena 6500 metro deployments) in an enterprise data center environment.
  •  Perform hands-on troubleshooting and testing of optical transport networks within a data center environment.
  • Utilize optical testing tools such as optical power meters, VFLs, OTDRs, and signal flow drawings to diagnose, analyze, and resolve optical issues effectively.
  • Support and maintain optical line systems (OLS) including amplifiers, mux/demux, ROADMs, and transponders.
  • Execute and interpret optical tests such as power level measurements, insertion loss, span validation, and signal degradation analysis.
  • Provide expert technical knowledge of the Ciena DWDM platform, scripting, and troubleshooting to support network operations.
  • Mentor team members on technical procedures, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment.
  • Understand the big picture implications of process decisions and suggest optimization opportunities for improved efficiency.

What's Needed?

  • Extensive experience with Ciena DWDM Platform (Ciena 6500), including deployment, testing, turn-up, and troubleshooting.
  • Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with Optical Line Systems (OLS), photonics, DWDM technologies, and Ciena products.
  •  Ability to troubleshoot optical issues such as loss, ORL, Reflection, Power Deviations, miss fibering etc.
  • Ability to read and interpret Signal Flow Drawings and optical troubleshooting tools; ability to use OTDR and interpret OTDR outputs.
  • Proficiency in utilizing Automation/Workflows and ability to quickly ramp-up and learn new platforms, procedures, and instructions.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, supporting technical issues related to the DWDM/6500 system.

What's in it for me?

  • Engage in cutting-edge network deployment and troubleshooting projects.
  • Collaborate with a diverse and innovative team of professionals.
  • Enhance your technical skills with advanced optical and network systems.
  • Be part of a forward-thinking organization committed to technological excellence.

Upon completion of waiting period consultants are eligible for:

  • Medical and Prescription Drug Plans
  • Dental Plan
  • Vision Plan
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Business Travel Insurance
  • 401(k), Plus Match
  • Weekly Pay

If this is a role that interests you and you'd like to learn more, click apply now and a recruiter will be in touch with you to discuss this great opportunity. We look forward to speaking with you!

About ManpowerGroup, Parent Company of: Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells.

ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells – creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2023 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 14th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.

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