Senior Optical Engineer

About the role

The Senior Optical Network Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, testing, optimizing, troubleshooting, and supporting advanced optical transport networks. They will serve as a technical lead for network deployments, upgrades, customer support, and operational excellence initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer optical transport solutions using DWDM, ROADM, OTN, and Carrier Ethernet technologies
• Configure, commission, and troubleshoot optical networking platforms from vendors such as Ciena, ADVA, Nokia, XKL, Smart Optics, and Tejas
• Perform optical power analysis, span engineering, and link budget calculations
• Support installation and turn-up of optical circuits including 100G, 400G, 800G and beyond
• Conduct network acceptance testing and service validation using OTDRs, optical spectrum analyzers, BER testers, power meters, and fiber inspection scopes
• Troubleshoot fiber impairments including attenuation, dispersion, reflection, dirty connectors, and signal degradation
• Lead network maintenance activities, software upgrades, migrations, and outage recovery efforts
• Provide Tier III technical support for NOC, field operations, and customer escalations
• Develop MOPs (Methods of Procedure), engineering standards, and technical documentation
• Train junior engineers and field technicians on optical networking technologies and best practices

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience supporting optical transport and fiber optic networks
• Strong knowledge of DWDM/CWDM systems, ROADM architecture, OTN switching, Carrier Ethernet, TCP/IP networking, MPLS fundamentals, and SONET/SDH
• Hands-on experience with optical test equipment including OTDRs, optical power meters, fiber microscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, and BER testers
• Ability to read and interpret fiber route diagrams, KMZ files, schematics, and optical engineering documentation
• Strong understanding of optical impairments, amplification, dispersion, and wavelength management
• Experience with coherent optics and 100G/400G/800G transmission systems
• Experience with major optical platforms (Ciena 6500/Waveserver, Nokia, XKL, Smart Optics, Infinera, ADVA, Tejas)
• Coordination with third-party providers and facility operators like Lumen or Digital Realty to manage LOA submissions, cross-connect implementation, and the verification of new service activations
• Familiarity with Linux, scripting, or network automation tools
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Willingness to travel and support after-hours maintenance windows when required

Benefits

• Excellent Medical Benefits w/ 100% company-paid premiums for employee only plan + 100% company-paid dental & vision premiums
• 401(k) plan that matches 100% up to 4% with immediate vesting
• Professional Development Reimbursement of $2,500 each year
• 11 Holidays + Paid Time Off Accrual + Rollover Plan + take your birthday off
• Included PTO at 3 year & 10 year anniversary + 1 month paid sabbatical every 5 years + Anniversary Bonus each year
• $500 first year remote office setup + $400 each following year for new equipment
• Internet reimbursement up to $75 per month
• Gym membership reimbursement up to $50 per month
• Company-paid Wellable subscription

Pay

$125,000 - $135,000 Final compensation will vary depending on years of experience, background/skill set, location, and applicable laws.

Schedule

Not specified