Senior Optical Network Engineer

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a skilled Optical Network Engineer with hands-on expertise in Ciena platforms and Service-Aware Operating System (SAOS) to design, deploy, and support our growing high-speed fiber optic infrastructure.

In this role, you will apply optical engineering expertise—spanning fiber propagation, coherent detection, optical amplification, optical switching, link engineering, impairments, and measurement science—to ensure sensing functions coexist with communications performance. You will also leverage hands-on laboratory skills, including setup design, optical alignment, calibration, and uncertainty analysis.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

• Minimum of 12 years of IT related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, or related discipline is required. Fifteen (15) years total of IT related experience may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree.
• Knowledge of high-speed photonics and optical system design and integrated photonics.
• Experience providing highly technical and specialized guidance and solutions to complex IT problems.
• Active DOD 8570 IAT Level II certification or higher is required (i.e. Security+).
• Active/current TS/SCI security clearance with a current polygraph is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Cienna 6500 RLS DWDM/OTN, Ciena WaveServer and Route Switch platforms, including experience with:
• Ciena Site Manager
• MCP/Navigator Software
• Service-Aware Operating System (SAOS)

Target Salary Range

$146,000 - $234,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement

Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at

Application Statements

The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity.Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools of any kind during Peraton interviews is strictly prohibited unless the candidate has obtained prior written authorization. All interview responses must be the candidate’s own.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.