Remote Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Are you an experienced Transport Network Engineer with deep expertise in optical transport, DWDM, and carrier-grade network infrastructure?

We are seeking a highly skilled engineer to support the design, deployment, optimization, and maintenance of advanced packet-optical transport networks.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies including Ciena optical platforms, Nokia transport solutions, DWDM/ROADM networks, OTN, and high-capacity fiber infrastructure.

Work Schedule

• 100% Remote
• Monday–Friday, aligned to daytime business hours in the Alaska time zone (AKDT)

• Design and engineer packet-optical transport solutions across metro and long-haul networks.
• Validate fiber routes and develop optical designs including power budgets and OSNR calculations.
• Perform fiber characterization and analysis including:
  • OTDR
  • Chromatic Dispersion (CD)
  • Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)
  • Optical Return Loss (ORL)
  • Insertion Loss
  • Spectral Analysis
• Engineer and optimize DWDM and ROADM networks utilizing Ciena transport platforms.

• Deploy, test, and commission fiber transport infrastructure.
• Support SONET/TDM to OTN/IP network migrations.
• Troubleshoot optical impairments affecting DWDM and OTN performance.
• Deploy and validate 400G/800G coherent optical technologies.
• Ensure optical links meet required OSNR, CD, and PMD performance thresholds.

• Create and maintain service orders, circuit records, and inventory documentation.
• Document fiber assignments, A-Z circuit paths, and cross-connects.
• Develop Method of Procedure (MOP) and rollback plans.
• Maintain as-built drawings, rack elevations, and topology documentation.
• Support maintenance activities and post-implementation validation.

Optical Transport

• OTN (G.709)
• DWDM
• ROADM (CDC-F)
• Flex-Grid
• 400ZR / 400ZR+
• FEC

IP/MPLS & Ethernet

• MPLS-TE
• Segment Routing
• EVPN
• QoS
• Ethernet OAM (802.1ag / Y.1731)

Legacy Technologies

• SONET/SDH
• PDH
• Circuit Emulation
• TDM
• DSO/T1

Additional Technologies

• Wireless Backhaul
• AES/IPsec Encryption
• Satellite Network Monitoring & OAM
• SNMP

• Ciena 6500
• Ciena MCP
• Nokia IXR
• Nokia SAR
• MetaSolv or similar inventory systems
• Confluence
• SharePoint
• Salesforce
• Visio
• AutoCAD

• Extensive experience with transport, optical, and carrier-grade network engineering.
• Strong background supporting Ciena and Nokia transport platforms.
• Experience with fiber characterization and optical performance troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of IP/MPLS routing and packet transport technologies.
• Experience supporting wireless backhaul environments.

• Nokia Optical Network Certification (ONC/OSC)
• Nokia Routing Specialist Certification
• Ciena Optical Certifications (OC-A, OC-P, OC-C)
• Ciena MCP Certification
• CCNP
• NRS II
• MEF-CECP
• FOA CFOT / CFOS-T
• EXFO or VIAVI Fiber Testing Certifications

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

We’re a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We’re a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We’re strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We’re building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.