Optical Network Engineer

Your next great opportunity is closer than you think — and this one is a gem. The Talent Mine is partnering with a major technology company in the Seattle area to find an experienced Optical Network Engineer for a 12-month contract engagement. This is a high-impact role supporting the design, deployment, operations, and automation of large‑scale DWDM optical transport networks in a mission‑critical, globally connected environment. If you thrive in fast‑paced, 24/7 operational settings and have a deep passion for optical networking, we want to talk. Must-Have Skills & Qualifications 5+ years of hands‑on DWDM/Optical networking experience , including direct deployment and operation of high‑capacity DWDM systems at scale Deep knowledge of optical transport technologies including EDFA and Raman amplifiers, OSNR, FEC (HD-FEC/SD-FEC), chromatic dispersion, PMD, and nonlinear fiber effects Proven experience with optical planning and modeling tools and optical link design (span loss, fiber types per ITU‑T G.652/G.654/G.655/G.657, connector/splice budgets) Hands‑on proficiency with network troubleshooting tools : OSA, OTDR, power meters, BERTs, and loopbacks Experience in 24/7 operational environments with on‑call responsibilities, change management processes, and a strong sense of when to escape vs. act independently Strong project and time management skills with the ability to balance operational duties alongside product development and strategic initiatives Solid communication skills — written and verbal — with the ability to document work clearly and collaborate across teams Nice to Have Scripting and automation experience (Python, Bash, Shell, or Perl) for tasks such as configuration deployment, software upgrades, metrics collection, and traffic shifting Experience with network design and architecture at scale, including topology planning and protocol knowledge Familiarity with cross‑platform hardware/software integration across commodity and OEM optical platforms Ability to read, modify, and discuss automation workflows using tools like Python and Ansible What Success Looks Like Background in telecommunications, ISPs, data center operations, or large‑scale enterprise networks Someone who doesn't just execute tasks — they ask why, identify risks proactively, and treat every incident as a chance to improve the system long‑term Comfortable navigating vendor UIs, proposing automation improvements, and contributing to operational excellence at scale Disqualifying Factors No hands‑on DWDM/optical experience No operational or on‑call background Inability to communicate technical concepts clearly #J-18808-Ljbffr The Talent Mine