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Optical Transport Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KCI Telecommunications

Optical Engineer

$132K - $170K/yr

Optical Network Engineer III W2 Only - No Sponsorship Offered Job Summary We are seeking a highly ... Design, build, configure, install, and maintain optical transport network infrastructure * Support ...

TEKsystems c/o Allegis Group

$80K - $105K/yr

TEKsystems are seeking a hands-on Optical Transport Network Engineer to support a critical DoD program focused on expanding and securing mission-critical telecom infrastructure. This role is ideal ...

Leidos

Transport Network Engineer III

Shiloh, IL · On-site

The Transport Network Engineer will perform sustainment, maintenance, Problem and Change management ... Experience analyzing section, line, and path events on Optical networks * Experience with end-to ...

Leidos

Transport Network Engineer II

Shiloh, IL · On-site

The Transport Network Engineer will perform sustainment, maintenance, Problem and Change management ... Experience analyzing section, line, and path events on Optical networks * Experience with end-to ...

C3EL

IL · On-site

Network Engineer Security Clearance: Top Secret Location : Scott AFB, IL (Due to the nature of the ... MSPP, optical transport network, MPLS, time division multiplexing, and SDH/SONET. Minimum ...

Leidos

Transport Network Engineer II

Shiloh, IL · On-site

The Transport Network Engineer will perform sustainment, maintenance, Problem and Change management ... Experience analyzing section, line, and path events on Optical networks * Experience with end-to ...

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Optical Transport Network Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

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

As of Aug 27, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical transport network engineer?

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.

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.

Are optical transport network engineers in high demand?

Optical Transport Network (OTN) engineers are in high demand due to the increasing need for high-capacity, reliable fiber optic communication systems in telecommunications. They are often required to have skills in network design, troubleshooting, and familiarity with equipment such as DWDM and SDH/SONET, making their expertise valuable in expanding and maintaining modern networks.

What does an optical transport network engineer do?

An optical transport network engineer designs, implements, and maintains fiber optic communication systems that transmit data over long distances. They configure and troubleshoot equipment such as optical switches, multiplexers, and transceivers, often using network management tools and requiring knowledge of protocols like OTN and SDH. Their work ensures high-capacity, reliable data transmission for telecommunications networks.
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Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Transport Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Cloud Destinations LLC

Denver, CO • On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Senior Optical Network Engineer (Contract)
Denver, CO 
6+ months

Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior Optical Network Engineer to support the design, deployment, optimization, and operational support of large-scale optical transport networks. The engineer will be responsible for DWDM transport systems, ROADM architectures, optical backbone expansion, network capacity planning, circuit turn-up, and optical troubleshooting across metro and long-haul environments.

Responsibilities

  • Design and engineer DWDM, CWDM, ROADM, and OTN transport networks.
  • Provision and turn up wavelength services across multi-vendor optical platforms.
  • Perform optical network capacity planning and forecasting.
  • Support fiber route expansion and backbone modernization projects.
  • Troubleshoot optical-layer impairments, latency, loss, and performance issues.
  • Create engineering standards and network documentation.
  • Support integration of acquired networks and migration projects.
  • Partner with NOC, field operations, architecture, and construction teams.
  • Participate in outage management and major incident response activities. 

Required Skills

  • 5+ years of Optical Transport Engineering experience.
  • Strong DWDM and ROADM expertise.
  • Experience with optical transport platforms from Ciena, Infinera, Nokia, Cisco, or Fujitsu.
  • Telecom experience
  • Knowledge of:
    OTN
    SONET
    MPLS
    Carrier Ethernet
    Dark Fiber architectures
    Understanding of fiber characterization and optical testing.
    Experience supporting large carrier or MSO environments. 

Preferred

  • DOCSIS transport network experience.
  • CCNP, JNCIP, Nokia NRS, or Ciena certifications.
  • Merger/integration experience

Apply