Network Engineer

Optical Network Engineer Apex Systems has an immediate need for an Optical Network Engineer for a large government client of ours!! Please see the role overview below and apply here if interested! Role Overview: 100% on site at Scott AFB in Illinois W2 ONLY- NO C2C OR PERSONAL LLCs Requirements: 7+ years of Network Engineering experience Experience with Ethernet and Optical Active Secret clearance Title: Network Engineer Location(s): 100% on site on Scott AFB, IL Duration: Direct hire/permanent Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000 annually (10-15% bonus potential annually) Job Description: In this highly technical role, you will take the lead in designing, coordinating, and executing test plans to ensure seamless implementation and interoperability of products within the customer's legacy network. Additionally, you will serve as the local subject matter expert (SME), contributing to standards development, interpreting customer requirements, and guiding network modernization efforts. You will report to the Senior Manager while working closely with the Project Manager and Sales Account Manager responsible for this customer account. How You Will Contribute: Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to understand project requirements and provide support for network architecture design and implementation. Develop and execute test plans to validate equipment functionality, interoperability, security, and performance based on customer requirements. Translate test results into actionable implementation plans and provide expert engineering support during deployment, including Layer-0, Layer-1, and Layer-2 (Layer-3 experience is a plus). Support pre-commissioning activities in customer labs or staging facilities Support greenfield network implementation by commissioning equipment, optimizing span/channel parameters, and ensuring seamless deployment. Perform basic electrical tasks and determine when specialized contractors are required. Provide customer guidance and operational training on Network Management Systems (NMS), including tasks such as: Enrolling network elements. Creating device profiles. Configuring backups. Provisioning services. Escalate and resolve issues with Ciena platforms in accordance with Ciena procedures. Collaborate with customer and internal technical teams to analyze optical performance and escalate anomalies to appropriate stakeholders. Deliver accurate documentation for configuration, provisioning, and testing results as part of project deliverables. Strong understanding of: SONET, DWDM, ROADM/nOADM architecture, and provisioning/implementation. Ethernet architecture, provisioning, and implementation. IP/MPLS/L3 protocols, including MPLS-TP. Familiarity with Network Management Systems (NMS), including Ciena MCP/Navigator. Ability to work in a lab environment. Read/follow network diagrams, cabling guides, signal flow diagrams. A diverse Telecommunications background, strong hands-on technical experience, organizational and interpersonal skills. Willingness to assist team members with other projects as required.

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EEO Employer Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide. If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered. UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Everforth Apex Systems. Apex Systems