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Optical Transport Network Engineer Jobs in California

Responsibilities Analyze traffic capacity projections and develop an optical transport network capacity plan accordingly • Partner with Software Engineering & Product Engineering teams to develop ...

Role: Optical Network Engineer Location: Fremont, CA Salary: $110-120k Role Description: Deployment Engineer working on Backbone Network capacity deployment. This role will be focused on network ...

The Production Backbone Network Engineering team is responsible for architecting, building, and ... Experience with optical networking technologies including DWDM and optical transport systems.

The Production Backbone Network Engineering team is responsible for architecting, building, and ... Experience with optical networking technologies including DWDM and optical transport systems.

The engineer owns the full lifecycle - from component characterization and link budget analysis to ... Scale-Up Network Architecture * Define optical interconnect strategy for AI cluster topologies ...

Network Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$250K - $320K/yr

... shaping, LAGs, optical transport, DWDM, coherent optics, and traffic engineering. * Can ... Experience with network automation using Python, Ansible, Terraform, or similar tooling.

Optical System Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Your Job As an Optical System Test Engineer you'll lead systems engineering and lab management for ... optical transport systems. * Conduct statistical analysis of network hardware performance and ...

Network Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$293K - $385K/yr

About the Team OpenAI's Network Engineering team within IT and Security advances the mission of ... Experience with optical transport and carrier services, including DWDM, wavelengths, dark fiber ...

We are seeking an experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead Laser related work within our optical interconnect efforts for large-scale compute systems. The role also requires broad, hands-on ...

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Optical Transport Network Engineer information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs in California?

For Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optical Transport Network Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Transport Network Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

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Job description

Hello All,
Greetings from Rootshell Inc,
Role: Network Engineer,
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Duration: Long Term
Required 10+ Years of Experience
Design and build and test automation frameworks to test optical network engineering lab configurations and automation SW (in-house developed or from vendors), test proof of concept (POC) and deployment configurations for multi-vendor high capacity optical switching and DWDM transport (100Gbps/200Gbps/400Gbps/600Gbps/800G/1+ Tbps) network architectures and engineering solutions in San Jose POC/certification lab. Testing includes HW, SW (system SW, EMS etc.) from vendors and any in-house built SW. Document and review the test results with the global teams and resolve issues with vendors. Support evaluation of new optical NW product HW and SW.
Work with senior level Optical Network Architects and other members of the Equinix Engineering and operations and external vendors (Ciena, Infinera, Cisco, Fujitsu, Adva etc.) to perform the duties.
Skills:
10 + years of testing/certification or deployment of optical DWDM transport systems and networks HW or SW; Understanding of DWDM/photonic/L0, L1, L2/L3 from the OSI layer; Proficient in UNIX/LINUX based operating systems like Redhat, CentOS, Ubuntu, etc.; Desire understanding of Software Defined Networks (SDN) for Datacenter Networking including one or more of the of the following controllers/orchestrators: Cisco/Tail-f/NSO, NOKIA/NUAGE, Fujitsu Virtuora, NEC/NETCRACKER, or ONOS; Require experience with developing scripts (Python etc.) and lab automation; Desire experience in new ways of optical service provisioning and managing with transport SDN, OpenConfig, Streaming Telemetry, zero touch provisioning; Require experience working on optical transport systems (DWDM/fixed and flex-grid ROADM/Optical Switches etc.) including EMS and SDN based EMS; Understand how L0 Optical Control Plane (ASON/WSON, GMPLS) works; Test Equipment Familiarity: Ixia/IxNetwork/IxExplorer, Spirent, or Exfo/Viavi, Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA), OTDR, Optical Power Meter (OPM)