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Remote Fiber Optic Contractor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Senior Network Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site +1

$150K - $160K/yr

... fiber optic media. * Provide technical support for both local Washington, D.C. sites and remote CONUS/OCONUS locations as required. Required Experience/Clearance * Active Top Secret (TS) security ...

Design Engineer

Washington, DC ยท Remote

$40 - $55/hr

Skills Design, telecommunication, autocad, isp, sonet, fiber optic, GIS Top Skills Details Design ... remote position. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 2026. About ...

Node Site Coordinator

Arlington, VA ยท On-site +1

$48K - $125K/yr

Strong knowledge of telecommunications infrastructure, including fiber optics, copper, and coaxial ... Remote * Noise level: Medium * Work schedule: Schedule is day shift Monday - Friday. May be ...

Field Technician - Remote USA

Hanover, MD ยท On-site +1

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Demonstrated expertise in fiber, copper, coax, DC power systems, BDFB installations, and equipment ... Experience with Ciena 6500, 5400, Waveserver, CESD, and related optical networking platforms. Hands ...

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Remote Fiber Optic Contractor information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

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How much do remote fiber optic contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote fiber optic contractor in Silver Spring, MD is $28.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $32.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by remote fiber optic contractors, and how can they be managed?

Remote fiber optic contractors often encounter challenges such as coordinating with onsite teams, managing time zone differences, and troubleshooting technical issues without direct physical access. Effective communication tools, detailed documentation, and robust remote monitoring systems are essential to address these challenges. Building strong relationships with local field technicians and maintaining clear, regular communication helps ensure projects stay on track and issues are resolved promptly.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a remote fiber optic contractor?

To thrive as a Remote Fiber Optic Contractor, you need expertise in fiber optic installation, splicing, testing, and troubleshooting, along with relevant certifications such as FOA or ETA and often a background in telecommunications or electrical work. Proficiency with tools like OTDRs, fusion splicers, and cable locators, as well as familiarity with industry safety standards and remote communication platforms, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help contractors excel when working independently or coordinating with remote teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering reliable, high-quality network infrastructure while maintaining safety and efficiency in remote environments.

What is a remote fiber optic contractor?

Remote Fiber Optic Contractors are professionals who install, maintain, and repair fiber optic cables and related infrastructure, often working from various locations rather than a fixed office. They may be hired by telecommunications companies or utilities to ensure high-speed data transmission networks are operational and expanding. Their work can include splicing cables, testing signal integrity, troubleshooting network issues, and documenting installations. Often, they collaborate virtually with clients and teams, leveraging remote tools and technology to coordinate projects and report progress.

What is the difference between Remote Fiber Optic Contractor vs Fiber Optic Installer?

AspectRemote Fiber Optic ContractorFiber Optic Installer
CertificationsFiber optic certifications, safety trainingFiber optic certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, remote locations, project sitesFieldwork, installation sites, indoors/outdoors
Employer & Industry UsageContract-based, telecom and network companiesEmployers, telecom, internet providers, contractors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding remote roles, contract workInstallation tasks, on-site work

The Remote Fiber Optic Contractor and Fiber Optic Installer roles share similar certifications and work environments, often involving fieldwork at network sites. However, contractors typically work on a project basis remotely, focusing on overseeing or managing installations, while installers perform hands-on installation tasks directly at the site. Both roles are essential in the fiber optic industry, but their scope and responsibilities differ based on the work setting and contractual arrangements.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Fiber Optic Contractor jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Remote Fiber Optic Contractor jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Fiber Optic Contractor jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Fiber Optic Contractor jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Remote Fiber Optic Contractor jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Remote Fiber Optic Contractor job openings:

Senior Optical SME Lead (Remote)

Competitive Range Solutions, LLC

Fort George G Meade, MD โ€ข Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Senior Subject Matter Expert (Optical)

Employment Type: W2

Location: Fort Meade, MD and/or remote; Location may vary

Job Description:

Competitive Range works in partnership with the government to plan and deploy complex, IT-enabled and mission essential capabilities. It is our goal at Competitive Range to help you develop and expand your professional capabilities while working on challenging, interesting projects in a collaborative, congenial environment.

Competitive Range Solutions requires the expertise of a Senior Subject Matter Expert (Optical) talented person to lead Optical Telecommunication efforts supporting Federal Defense customers, under the direction of Senior and Executive management. The candidate must reference their ability and experience in working in a Department of Defense (DoD) customer environment and effective integration with a government multi-contractor team.

The Senior Subject Matter Expert (Optical) shall lead efforts pertaining to successful installation, turn-up, testing, and activation of telecommunication equipment with an emphasis on optical hardware and related components. This includes assignment of, and review of work specific to one or more locations supported by one or more Optical Installation Teams, ensuring completion of assigned projects or activities, and providing training or assistance as needed. No supervision is required to complete multiple, concurrent, or consecutive large installation efforts.

The Senior Subject Matter Expert (Optical) provides or leads in-depth analyses for translating customer unified capabilities needs into the design of networks for Optical, Circuit Switched and IP networks that support Telecommunications for classified Defense Networks which include Real Time Services such as voice and video converged with data applications end-to-end. This key resource applies extensive knowledge in at least one of the following areas to provide original and innovative solutions:

1) network architecture

2) network interoperability, network interfaces, and network protocols

3) transport technology

4) business organizational alignment, business process development and business case development

5) network testing

6) security

7) reliability

8) prototyping and development of network solution

9) communications focused software engineering or software development.

The SME candidate directs, designs, and develops network architecture plans, security, reliability, and business continuity plans, implementation or cutover plans, integration plans, and interoperability plans based for Optical networks within Federal Defense classified networks. Provides high-level strategic business consultation including organizational alignment, business process development and business case development. Provides active leadership in defining and pursuing innovative research and development projects of exceptional complexity, requiring considerable originality and ingenuity. Supervises multiple teams of specialty engineers working on highly complex network architecture and technology development & assessment projects.

The SME Candidate will possess in-depth knowledge specific to task requirements and in multiple areas of optical technologies and network infrastructures and will have demonstrated technical leadership and in-depth analysis capability in at least one of the following areas:

1) network architecture

2) network interoperability, network interfaces and network protocols

3) transport technology

4) business organizational alignment, business process development and business case development

5) network testing

6) security

7) reliability

8) prototyping and development of network solutions

9) communications focused software engineering or software development.

Capable of independent original work on specific tasks associated with one or more knowledge areas identified above.

Tasks shall include:

  • Infrastructure installation and de-installation
    • Racks
  • Ironwork (ladder rack, subfloor infrastructure)
  • Cable management
    • Fiber & copper management systems (i.e. Panduit raceway, Fiber Management Systems (FMS))
  • DC Power cable (determining path, wax cord lacing)
  • Cable Terminations, cleaning and testing
    • RJ45
  • Coaxial/BNC
  • Wire wrap
  • Fiber Optic Cable (light levels, scoping)
  • Grounding
    • HTAP
  • Equipment
  • Documentation Responsibilities
    • Use of Microsoft Office suite of products for:
  • Requirements review and comprehension
  • Redlining
  • Reporting
    • Daily Status Report (DSR) submission
  • Site Completion Report (SCR) submission
  • Survey Reports
  • Installation of cabling DC power distribution systems
  • Basic configuration and provisioning of equipment
    • DCN Suite
  • Crypto
  • IP
  • MSPP
  • MPLS
  • Advanced configuration and provisioning of DWDM equipment
    • Ciena 6500 SDN
  • Ciena 6500 ILA alarm clearing
  • Conduct Ground Testing
  • Perform and report on fiber quality assessment both in-house and cross-base to include OPM and ORL readings
  • Conduct Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT)
  • Conduct Optical Testing
    • Fiber optic characterization
      • Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)
    • Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)
    • Chromatic Dispersion (CD)
      • Review results, identify issues and provide recommended solution
    • Consolidate data and generate detailed reporting and analysis

Qualifications/Experience:

  • At least 10 years of experience leading technical efforts within an Optical Network environment required.
  • At least eight years of experience in the installation, turn-up, testing, activation, maintenance, repair or construction of various types of telecommunications or other electronic equipment or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting completion of an accredited vocational or technical curriculum in telecommunications or a related discipline for the required or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • At least four years of experience is required specific to Ciena DWDM optical platforms
  • Experience supporting DISA's networks is desired
  • Demonstrated experience in advanced optical systems to include Ciena platforms such as 6500 S' shelves and RLS.
  • Communicate with supporting personnel such as Node Site Coordinators, facility technicians, site security personnel, etc.
  • Working Knowledge Microsoft Office Tools; specifically, Visio and Excel
  • Excellent communication, effective leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Minimum SECRET clearance required; and be eligible for a Top-Secret clearance

Physical Demands

  • Ability to type, communicate via telephone and sit for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to travel (20%-60%) via automobile and airplane with other team members to meet program requirements; as needed
  • Ability to set up and ascend/descend ladders as necessary to reach overhead cabling and components undergoing installation or deinstallation.
  • Ability to get down under sub-flooring as required to reach components and cabling
  • Ability to lift at least 50 lbs