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Optical Transport Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Capgemini

Senior Optical Transport Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$73K - $174K/yr

# Senior Optical Transport EngineerBridgewater, Chicago, IrvingApply for this job* Permanent ... planning.* Perform wavelength assignment, optical spectrum optimization, and selection of ...

Midco

Network Technician - Optical Transport

West Fargo, ND · On-site

$22.75 - $29.50/hr

... optical transport equipment, line systems, circuits, and related network components. * Perform ... planning, system backups, restoration testing, and business continuity initiatives. * Support ...

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Optical Transport Planner information

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$39.5K

$74.3K

$110.5K

How much do optical transport planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical transport planner in the United States is $74,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optical Transport Planner vs Network Operations Technician?

AspectOptical Transport PlannerNetwork Operations Technician
CredentialsTechnical certifications in optical networks, relevant degreesTechnical certifications, network training
Work EnvironmentDesigning and planning optical networks, office-basedMonitoring and maintaining network operations, field and office
Industry UsageTelecom providers, network planning teamsNetwork support teams, service providers

Optical Transport Planners focus on designing and planning optical network infrastructure, while Network Operations Technicians handle the day-to-day operation and troubleshooting of existing networks. Both roles require technical certifications and are integral to telecom industry operations, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is an optical transport planner a stressful job?

An optical transport planner's job involves designing and managing fiber optic networks, which can be stressful due to tight project deadlines, technical complexity, and the need for precision. The role often requires strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, but workload and stress levels vary depending on the employer and project scope.

What skills do you need to be an optical transport planner?

An optical transport planner needs strong knowledge of fiber optic networks, telecommunications infrastructure, and network design principles. Skills in network modeling, capacity planning, and familiarity with industry tools such as network management systems are essential. Additionally, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and relevant certifications like Cisco or Nokia can enhance job performance.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Transport Planner jobs?

For Optical Transport Planner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optical Transport Planner job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,255 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Optical Network Planning Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

By Light Professional IT Services LLC
IT Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about By Light Professional IT Services LLCexternal

$143K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. 


By Light Professional IT Services is seeking an Optical Network Technology Planning Engineer to join our DISA team at Ft Meade, MD.  This is an exciting key position to a major Department of Defense initiative.  The candidate will work all aspects of optical network equipment planning for the DOD’s global optical transport network.  The candidate will work to develop hardware (Major Bill of Material) deployment plans including system configurations, routing of the 10/100/400G circuits over the network, providing plans to operations of the circuits in “Wavelength Plan format” to meet service requirements. The candidate will support the DISA operations during the implementation of the hardware and services.


  • Based on the direction from government assess the service requirements and strategic technology requirements to develop deployment plans that include hardware requirements, transition plans and capturing the service routing in Wavelength Plan for implementation. 
  • Provide in-depth engineering analysis, deployment, and transition plans of transport level equipment in support of government strategic modernization efforts.
  • Interface with DISA operations and implementation vendors in the implementation of developed deployment and Wavelength Plans.

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience working in the planning of transport technologies such as Optical Transport System (a.k.a. DWDM), OTN/Packet switching, L1/L2 switches, legacy SONET/SDH technologies. 
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in a technical or related field.
  • Familiarity with ITU-T, OIF and IETF standards.  Knowledge of transport protocols such as ITU-T G.709, Layer 1/Layer 2 protocols, and Ethernet.  

  • Prior experience with a major Optical Manufacturer equipment a plus: Ciena, Cisco, Infinera or Nokia
  • Familiarity with QPSK, QAM is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of network management and experience with wave length planning tools such as One Planner, Transport Planner, Ciena MCP/Navigator, Blue Planet, or Cisco Optical Network Planner. 
  • DoD 8570-01-M IAT Level II or higher to include one of the following:  CCNA-Security, CySA+, GICSP, Security+, GSEC, SSCP, or higher level cert. 

  • Active Secret Clearance

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