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Optical Transport Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Leidos

Senior Transport Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Network Engineer to lead vulnerability management and STIG compliance program for NMCI network infrastructure. Provide technical leadership, make authoritative patch deployment ...

SAIC

Long Haul Network Engineer SETA

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Demonstrate a working level knowledge of installation and integration of fiber optic ... Serve as Transport Services site liaison for various locations * Update the configuration ...

Meta

VA

$135K/yr

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

Cherokee Federal

Network Engineer- Senior

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$153K/yr

TCP/IP transport network design and engineering, network routing protocols, advanced virtual networking technologies * Performing upgrades and performing routine network operations and maintenance (O ...

SAIC

Long Haul Network Engineer SETA

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Demonstrate a working level knowledge of installation and integration of fiber optic ... Serve as Transport Services site liaison for various locations * Update the configuration ...

SAIC

Long Haul Network Engineer SETA

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Demonstrate a working level knowledge of installation and integration of fiber optic ... Serve as Transport Services site liaison for various locations * Update the configuration ...

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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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs near you

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Reston, VA

Meta
Internet and IT • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 247 rated software companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Metaexternal

$135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

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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