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Optical Transport Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

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

VA

$162K/yr

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

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 Jul 30, 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:
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.

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Meta

Reston, VA

$135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment & Support Engineer to join the team responsible for planning and executing network deployments to build one of the world's largest optical backbone networks. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge Optical and IP networking technologies owning the deployment planning, implementation, and scaling of Meta's AI network infrastructure.
Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities:
  • Lead the technical deployment, architecture, and execution for your team’s projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment, ensuring alignment with organizational direction and goals
  • Provide hands-on technical contributions (design, deployment, migrate, code reviews, troubleshooting, etc.) on large scale complex programs demonstrating domain expertise and technical impact
  • Contribute to strategic objectives by executing six-month to multi-year roadmaps that support business growth and transformation. Balance high-level strategic direction with hands-on leadership to deliver results across a broad portfolio of initiatives
  • Apply established engineering standards for reliability, scalability, and performance to deliverables, driving continuous improvement in engineering processes and technical quality
  • Collaborate cross-functionally across Network Engineering, Data Center, Network Investments, and Planning teams to ensure successful execution of shared goals on network delivery
  • Deploy, migrate and support our global production network including edge, backbone, and data center infrastructure
  • Mentor and onboard new team members, raising the team’s overall technical acumen and building internal community
  • 10% to 30% of travel

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 6+ years of Network Engineering, including hands-on responsibility for planning, building, deployment or migrating production network environments
  • 3+ years experience working in Optical Network Engineering
  • Hands-on experience with enterprise and carrier class routing, switching, and optical transport platforms
  • Knowledge of data center design and operational best practices
  • Proven experience leading and executing network deployment and migration projects
  • Experience interacting with vendors and external parties to drive projects to completion

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with process improvement and systems development, leveraging automation to streamline repetitive workflows
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience in data center, edge, or large-scale network environments
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Proficiency in automation (Python, Go, etc.) and network configuration management tooling
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$135,000/year to $191,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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