Senior Optical Engineer

Vultr

Senior Optical Engineer at Vultr, designing, implementing, and optimizing optical transport networks. Collaborates with global teams to ensure robust telecom infrastructure.

Posted 7/10/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $125,000 - $135,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxSwitchingTCP/IP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Experience performing fiber cleaning, connector inspection, and troubleshooting optical loss issues
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)
Coordinate 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

Comp & perks

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
Commitment matters to Vultr! Increased 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

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Optical Transport SolutionsDWDM SystemsROADM ArchitectureOTN SwitchingCarrier EthernetTCP/IP NetworkingMPLS FundamentalsSONET/SDHOptical Power AnalysisLink Budget Calculations

Soft Skills

Technical SupportTraining and MentoringCollaboration