ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Transport Network Engineer Jobs in Washington

Usmd

Senior Wide Area Network Engineer

Adelphi, MD · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

... WAN and optical transport infrastructure. You will contribute to both day-to-day network ... Designs, engineers, and maintains MDREN's statewide WAN, including backbone, regional aggregation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Transport Network Engineer JobsOptical Transport Network Engineer Jobs in Washington

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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

Optical Transport Network Engineer jobs near you

Optical Network Modeling Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

NS4 Inc
See more jobs at NS4 Incexternal

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain a detailed physical and logical model of the customer's wavelength network.

  • Collect, organize, validate, and analyze network inventory and configuration information.

  • Document optical paths, wavelengths, and network resources, and support network modeling, visualization, and analysis activities.

Job description

We are seeking an Optical Network Modeling Engineer to support the modeling, analysis, documentation, and optimization of a customer's wavelength-based optical transport network. The engineer will work with senior optical network engineers, provisioning, and OEM vendors to develop and maintain accurate representations of the customer's physical and logical network. The position will involve analyzing network inventory and configuration data, documenting optical paths and wavelengths, supporting network modeling and visualization, and assisting with engineering studies and network modernization activities.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain a detailed physical and logical model of the customer's wavelength network.
  • Collect, organize, validate, and analyze network inventory and configuration information.
  • Model optical nodes, fiber links, wavelengths, circuits, and transport equipment.
  • Document end-to-end wavelength paths and associated network resources.
  • Analyze wavelength utilization, network capacity, and available resources.
  • Support development of network topology diagrams, engineering drawings, and network visualizations.
  • Assist with what-if analysis for proposed network changes, new circuits, equipment additions, and wavelength assignments.
  • Support analysis of primary and diverse/protected wavelength paths.
  • Assist with identifying capacity constraints, inefficient routing, potential single points of failure, and other network optimization opportunities.
  • Perform basic optical engineering calculations under the direction of senior engineers, including fiber loss, link budgets, and optical power requirements.
  • Assist in evaluating the impact of network outages, equipment failures, and fiber cuts.
  • Support network modernization and migration studies.
  • Develop and maintain spreadsheets, databases, scripts, and other tools used to analyze network information.
  • Assist in automating repetitive network engineering and data-processing activities.
  • Prepare technical documentation, reports, diagrams, and presentations.
  • Participate in customer technical meetings and engineering reviews.
  • Work closely with senior engineers and customer subject-matter experts to resolve network data discrepancies.
  • Maintain documentation of modeling assumptions, methodologies, and results.
Desired Qualifications
  • Exposure to DWDM, ROADM, OTN, or wavelength networking.
  • Familiarity with optical fiber and basic optical network concepts.
  • Experience with Ciena, Nokia, Infinera, Cisco, or other optical transport equipment.
  • Experience with network inventory or network management systems.
  • Experience with Python, SQL, PowerShell, or other scripting/data-analysis tools.
  • Experience with Visio or other network visualization tools.
  • Experience working with telecommunications, enterprise, government, or defense networks.
  • Familiarity with Ethernet, IP, MPLS, or OTN technologies.
  • Exposure to network planning, simulation, or modeling tools.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Analytics, Telecommunications, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline
  • 1–3 years of engineering or technical experience, preferably in telecommunications, networking, data analytics, optical transport, or a related field
  • Basic understanding of computer networking and telecommunications concepts
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work with large datasets and identify discrepancies or inconsistencies
  • Ability to create and interpret network diagrams and technical documentation
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently while also collaborating with senior engineers and customer technical personnel
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply