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Optical Transport Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Network Engineer I, you'll help support the infrastructure that keeps our customers connected ... You'll work with technologies such as IP/MPLS routing platforms, optical transport systems, and ...

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support the migration from a legacy Infinera optical transport network to the Ciena 6500 RLS and Navigator platforms . This role is crucial in ...

Optical Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$153K - $198K/yr

You will work closely with ESnet engineers, operations teams, scientific user sites, Regional ... Integrate optical transport systems with ESnet's IP/MPLS backbone and advanced network services.

Optical Network Engineer

Seattle, WA

$147K - $190K/yr

... Network Engineer for a 12-month contract engagement. This is a high-impact role supporting the ... Deep knowledge of optical transport technologies including EDFA and Raman amplifiers, OSNR, FEC (HD ...

Transport Network Engineer Work Location: Richardson, TX Minimum years of experience: 8 Years Experienced Telecom Transport Planner with expertise in SONET, DWDM, MetroE, IP, and fiber network ...

Optical Network Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$147K - $190K/yr

... Network Engineer for a 12-month contract engagement. This is a high-impact role supporting the ... Deep knowledge of optical transport technologies including EDFA and Raman amplifiers, OSNR, FEC (HD ...

Optical Transport Engineer (IXC)

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

Optical Transport Engineer (IXC) Resources will be required to work on client's site in Melbourne ... As a Network Engineer, you will support the management and technical deployment implementation of ...

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Optical Transport Network Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical transport network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical transport network engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optical Transport Network Engineer?

An Optical Transport Network Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining optical fiber networks that transmit large volumes of data over long distances. They work with technologies such as DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing), SONET/SDH, and OTN to ensure efficient and reliable data transport. Their duties often include network planning, troubleshooting, performance optimization, and integrating new hardware or software. These engineers play a critical role in supporting telecommunications infrastructure for internet service providers, data centers, and enterprise networks.

What is the difference between Optical Transport Network Engineer vs Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician?

AspectOptical Transport Network EngineerNetwork Operations Center (NOC) Technician
CertificationsOptical certifications (e.g., CWNA, Cisco CCNA/CCNP)Network+ or CCNA
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, and troubleshoot optical networksMonitor and maintain network performance
Industry UsageTelecom providers, data centers, ISPsService providers, enterprise networks

The Optical Transport Network Engineer focuses on designing and maintaining optical fiber networks, requiring specialized certifications and technical skills. In contrast, the NOC Technician primarily monitors network health and performs troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in network operations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Transport Network Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Transport Network Engineer, you need a deep understanding of optical networking principles, fiber optics, and telecommunications protocols, usually backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with DWDM, SONET/SDH, network management systems, and certifications such as Cisco or Juniper are often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help engineers troubleshoot complex issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure reliable network performance, rapid fault resolution, and successful implementation of high-capacity optical transport solutions.

What are some common challenges Optical Transport Network Engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure?

Optical Transport Network Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating newer technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy equipment and minimizing network downtime during upgrades. Balancing the need for increased bandwidth and performance with cost constraints is another frequent issue. Engineers must also coordinate closely with cross-functional teams, such as network architects and operations staff, to plan, test, and implement changes without disrupting critical network services.
More about Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Transport Network Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Optical Transport Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Optical Network Engineer

CompQsoft,Inc .

Fort George G Meade, MD

$143K - $185K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Title: Optical Network Engineer

Location: Fort Meade MD ( Hybrid)

Clearance required: Secret Clearance

Certification required by project: IAT Level 2

COMPQSOFT Inc. is seeking an Optical Network Engineer to augment our DISA test team at Fort Meade, MD. The candidate will function as a subject matter expert (SME) in testing existing and new optical network equipment for the DOD s transport network. The candidate will work developing test cases, test reports and implementation plan in evaluating engineering architectures, new technologies and approaches to unique engineering problems. Candidate will also function as a Tier III Optical engineer assisting Tier II engineers and vendors to provide solutions to resolve real world Optical network issues.
Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks:
Optical testing:
  • Analyze new/old optical transport equipment functionality and interoperability amongst various transport networks (Optical Transport Networks (OTN), Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Ethernet) and cryptographic equipment.
  • Operate various Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) test equipment in support of equipment testing.
  • Develop test cases, test reports and implementation plans based on equipment testing.
  • Perform interoperability testing between different vendors OTN equipment.
  • Perform interoperability testing between edge devices and OTN equipment.
  • Determine and provide Recommendations with supporting documentation for new equipment to be deployed /not deployed in the operational network.
  • Brief the group leads on project status.
Tier III Support:
  • Work with DISA Tier II optical engineers to identify, track, and develop solutions to complex network problems.
  • Mock-up equipment problems in the Test Lab to reproduce the problem and work toward a solution.
Engineering support:
  • Analyze new Optical transport equipment.
  • Determine/identify functional capabilities of new equipment.
  • Provide SME support in identifying equipment capabilities.
Required Experience/Qualifications:
  • Bachelor s degree is preferred
  • Security+ certification or equivalent 8570 IAT II certification.(Should be able to obtain within 3 months from joining)
  • 5 + years of Optical systems engineering experience configuring, testing, designing, implementing, or troubleshooting telecommunication networks.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to collaborate test plans and reports with Government and equipment vendors.
  • Able to work with strict deadlines.
  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office suite to include Word, Excel, and Visio technical drawing program.
  • Ability to work along with no or little assistance to complete equipment testing.
  • Ability to work in a group to achieve the common goal to resolve complex network issues.
  • Extensive knowledge of Dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technologies.
  • Experience with SONET, DWDM, Time-division multiplexing (TDM) and Ethernet technologies.