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Optical Transport Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia

SAIC

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC has an immediate opening for a Long-Haul Network Engineer with a ... Demonstrate a working level knowledge of installation and integration of fiber optic ...

SAIC

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC has an immediate opening for a Long-Haul Network Engineer with a ... Demonstrate a working level knowledge of installation and integration of fiber optic ...

SAIC

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Description SAIC has an immediate opening for a Long-Haul Network Engineer with a background in ... Demonstrate a working level knowledge of installation and integration of fiber optic ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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

Optical Transport Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 225 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614407

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-24

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC has an immediate opening for a Long-Haul Network Engineer with a background in Information Technology (IT) Network Engineering and Project Management to oversee the cost, schedule, and performance activities associated with procurement of Commercial Carrier long-haul circuits.  The successful applicant will participate within a team of Systems Engineers and Technical Advisors (SETAs) overseeing the design, delivery, enhancement, and recapitalization of a large-scale, physical layer infrastructure.  Ability to travel is a requirement of this position.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

The successful candidate must be able to:

  • Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed, high-capacity optical communications systems and equipment
  • Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed switching layer (SONET, Carrier Ethernet) technologies and architectures
  • Demonstrate a working level knowledge of installation and integration of fiber optic telecommunications systems
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform requirements analysis, schedule reviews, and cost estimations
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct risk assessments and analysis of current and proposed architectures
  • Develop circuit specifications, test methodologies, and exercise testing techniques to verify that circuits meet all required specifications
  • Provide engineering for optical circuit design, integration, testing, and troubleshooting efforts
  • Perform technical evaluation of vendor documentation, including network designs and technical details
  • Review daily assessment reports of network health and performance, and provide technical guidance to operations personnel and vendors as necessary to resolve network performance issues
  • Independently interact with network and transport services providers to resolve network anomalies and performance issues
  • Serve as Transport Services site liaison for various locations
  • Update the configuration management database for the customer's transport network
  • Successfully work independently, as well as within team dynamics

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. Work experience in the areas detailed in the Description of Duties of more than eleven (11) years in lieu of a degree may be considered
  • 10-years’ experience with high-speed Terrestrial Telecommunications systems
  • PMP certification is a plus, but not required
  • ITIL certification is a plus, but not required
  • Active Top Secret (TS) / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance with current poly

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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