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Optical Transport Network Engineer Jobs in Texas

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities: * Lead the technical deployment ... Hands-on experience with enterprise and carrier class routing, switching, and optical transport ...

Network Engineer, Deployment & Support Responsibilities: * Deployment, configuration, and ... Working knowledge of 40/100G Ethernet and CWDM, DWDM and optical transport network technologies

Network Engineer, Foundation & Support Responsibilities: * Support all aspects of data center ... optical transport technologies * Knowledge of enterprise and provider level network hardware ...

The Role The IT Systems Engineer II provides advanced Tier II support by troubleshooting and repairing network devices, tools, and services for a nationwide fiber optic transport network as well as ...

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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 Texas?

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

What job categories do people searching Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs in Texas are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Optical Transport Network Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Principal Transport and IP Network Engineer

Dallas, TX โ€ข On-site

AST SpaceMobile
Telecommunicationsย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a Principal Transport and IP Network Engineer to support the complete networking solution within the Gateway, including switches, routers, firewalls, and the optical matrix.

This role is responsible for defining, lifecycle-managing, and documenting the network SKU across all Gateway types - including acceptance testing procedures, pass/fail criteria, and golden configurations - and for leading the networking First Office Application (FOA) for each new Gateway SKU to ensure equipment integrates with other Gateway elements such as the eNB/gNB, BPMS, NCC, and OSS systems and is ready to deploy at scale.

The ideal candidate is a deeply technical networking expert with command of carrier-grade IP, MPLS and segment routing, BGP, SDN, traffic engineering, QoS, transport resiliency, and network security, and thrives in a fast-moving environment where new Gateway designs move from lab validation to global deployment.ย 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Own the complete networking solution within the Gateway, including switches, routers, firewalls, and the optical matrix.
  • Define, lifecycle-manage, and document the network SKU across all Gateway types.
  • Develop and maintain acceptance testing procedures, pass/fail criteria, and golden configurations for the network SKU.
  • Support integration of networking equipment with other Gateway elements, including eNB/gNB, BPMS, NCC, and OSS systems.
  • Lead the networking First Office Application (FOA) for each new Gateway SKU.
  • Design resilient connectivity from gateways to MNO interconnects, and engineer gateway diversity and redundancy.
  • Define routing, traffic-engineering, and failover behavior, and build scalable IP address and routing architectures.
  • Establish latency, packet-loss, and jitter objectives, and define QoS for voice, messaging, and data.
  • Integrate terrestrial fiber and cloud environments, and design for gateway outage, transport failure, and congestion.
  • Implement telemetry for path-level performance and troubleshoot packet loss, asymmetric routing, and service degradation.ย 

Qualificationsย 

Education:

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, telecommunications engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience:

5+ years of experience in carrier-grade IP network engineering, including:

  • Design, deployment, and operations of carrier-grade IP networks, with demonstrated ownership of routing, switching, firewall, and optical transport infrastructure in a production network.
  • Defining hardware/software SKUs, acceptance test plans, and golden configurations for complex network products.
  • Leading First Office Application (FOA) or first-deployment validation efforts.
  • Hands-on competence across MPLS and segment routing, BGP and routing policy, SDN, traffic engineering, QoS, multicast, data-center and cloud networking, transport resiliency, network security, and gateway redundancy.
  • Designing resilient, redundant network architectures spanning terrestrial fiber, cloud, and remote/edge sites.ย 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with satellite ground-segment, teleport, or other geographically distributed gateway networking environments.
  • Industry certifications such as CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent vendor-neutral routing/switching credentials.
  • Experience working directly with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on interconnect design or interoperability testing.
  • Familiarity with NCC/OSS systems and their integration with IP transport infrastructure.
  • Experience with network telemetry, automation, and infrastructure-as-code tooling.
  • Background integrating optical transport/DWDM systems into a broader IP network architecture.ย 

Soft Skills:

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships across technical and non-technical teams.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional engineering, product, and operations organizations.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
  • Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of technical documentation, test results, and project deliverables.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.ย 

Technology Stack:

  • Carrier-grade routers, switches, and firewalls (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Arista, or equivalent platforms).
  • MPLS, segment routing, and BGP-based routing architectures.
  • SDN controllers and network automation/orchestration platforms.
  • Optical transport/matrix systems and DWDM equipment.
  • QoS and traffic-engineering frameworks for voice, messaging, and data services.
  • Network telemetry, monitoring, and path-performance analysis tools.
  • Data-center and cloud networking platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP networking constructs).
  • Network security tooling, including firewalls, ACLs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
  • Test automation and acceptance-test frameworks for network hardware/software validation.ย 

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in laboratory and technical testing environments utilizing network test equipment and diagnostic tools.
  • Ability to travel periodically to support deployment, integration, testing, and operational activities.
  • Ability to safely handle and move technical equipment and hardware components when necessary.
  • Ability to capture, analyze, and document technical test procedures, results, and system performance data.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.ย