Senior Optical Network Engineer

Job Summary

The Senior Optical Network Engineer is a senior technical resource responsible for the deployment, implementation, maintenance, and operational reliability of Lightpath’s Metro and Regional Optical Transport Networks. This role focuses on executing network augmentations, integrating optical systems, supporting field operations, resolving complex optical issues, leading migration activities, and ensuring the stability and performance of Lightpath’s DWDM/ROADM infrastructure.

The Senior Engineer partners closely with Planning, MPLS Engineering, Field Operations, Product, and NMC teams to execute approved designs, maintain network health, standardize configurations, and support large-scale deployment initiatives. They provide Tier-3 escalation support, oversee high-risk change windows, and ensure optical platforms operate at peak performance in alignment with established design and architectural standards.

Responsibilities

• Execute implementation of approved Metro, Regional, and Access DWDM/ROADM builds and augmentations.
• Integrate and turn up optical equipment including transponders, amplifiers, ROADMs, and associated line systems.
• Validate power levels, OSNR, channel performance, and spectral configuration during activation.
• Commission Ciena 6500/RLS and other approved Lightpath optical platforms.
• Coordinate with Field Operations for on-site tasks and ensure work aligns with engineering standards.
• Serve as Tier-3 escalation for complex optical impairments, hardware failures, or service-impacting events.
• Troubleshoot issues such as low OSNR, span degradation, EDFA/Raman anomalies, dispersion issues, or fiber faults.
• Analyze OTDR traces, power measurements, OSA data, BERT results, and fiber characterization reports.
• Perform detailed root-cause analysis (RCA) and drive corrective/preventive actions.
• Support after-hours maintenance windows as a senior escalation resource.
• Create, refine, and enforce Method of Procedures (MOPs) for augmentations, maintenance, and migrations.
• Develop operational runbooks, installation guides, and troubleshooting playbooks.
• Ensure all work complies with Lightpath engineering standards and change management processes.
• Lead multi-site implementation efforts and serve as the senior technical contact across internal teams.
• Coordinate with Planning teams to ensure all implementation details aligned with approved design packages.
• Work closely with Circuit Design to support provisioning and ensure clean handoff of backbone builds.
• Support MPLS, IP, and Capacity Management teams with optical-related dependencies during deployments.
• Maintain active engagement with equipment vendors on operational defects, escalation cases, and field issues.
• Review and validate vendor software releases, patches, and recommended upgrade paths.
• Participate in lab testing, system qualification, and operational acceptance of new hardware/software.
• Track equipment health, running software versions, and field notices to ensure continued operational compliance.
• Mentor junior engineers, field technicians, and NOC personnel on optical technologies and best practices.
• Deliver operational training sessions on optical maintenance, troubleshooting, and platform behaviors.
• Participate in cross-functional knowledge sharing across Engineering, Ops, and Planning groups.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering or Telecommunications (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ Years of Telecommunication experience with strong optical transport background.
• Extensive and demonstrated understanding of optical theory, transport technologies and the operation of optical transport systems (including SONET, SDH, DWDM (ROADM and OADM).
• Knowledge and working experience with Ciena 6500 required. Coriant/Tellabs 7100, Adva Optidriver/Fiberdriver, Smartoptics transport shelves is preferred.
• Solid optical troubleshooting skills using OTDR, OSA, BERT and optical power meters.
• Experience with field-based work in POPs, carrier hotels, data centers and Central Office environments.
• Hands-on experience with major optical vendor platforms (Ciena preferred).
• Proven experience performing network maintenance and executing MOPs.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Netcracker preferred or similar Planning and Provisioning tool.
• Knowledge and working experience with Ciena Navigator, Adva FSP NM & Tellabs Network Management System (TNMS).
• TL1 and/or Element Management System experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Streets & Trips, Visio & various operational Support Systems for internal and external presentations and complex network schematics.
• Familiarity with Network Management/DCN design.
• Experience supporting carrier, enterprise, or hyperscaler optical networks.
• Scripting or automation experience is a plus.

Soft skills

• Ability to work and learn independently.
• Ability to grasp abstract concepts and adapt to technology evolutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong decision making and leadership skills.
• Ability to build and foster collaborative relationships.
• Strong problem-solving skills, self-managed and the ability to multitask.
• Ability to influence others to meet desired goals.
• Excellent Documentation and Communication ability.