Senior Optical Engineer

Vocus Navy; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vocus Navy in Australia is seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to design DWDM networks across terrestrial, regional, and submarine paths. You will partner with IP, Infrastructure, Product Engineering and Network Operations to deliver reliable, scalable solutions end-to-end.

The role requires deep DWDM/ROADM knowledge, strong vendor engagement, and the ability to drive standards, roadmaps, and KPI-aligned outcomes while maintaining security clearances.

Qualifications

• Significant technical experience with DWDM technologies in a service provider
• Strong knowledge of DWDM, ROADM architectures, OTN, fibre optics, and transmission theory
• 5+ years with optical vendors and long-haul/transmission networks, submarine SLTE experience
• Understanding of industry standards and best practices for network design
• Pragmatic, action-biased approach with excellent written/oral communication skills
• Ability and willingness to hold required security clearances

Responsibilities

• Design DWDM networks for terrestrial and submarine paths
• Document standards and design
• Collaborate with vendors (Ciena, Nokia, Adtran, etc.) on technical and commercial outcomes
• Evaluate new technologies and software releases
• Contribute to technology roadmaps and standardisation activities
• Ensure solutions meet KPI targets and are operationally acceptable
• Lead business case development and execution for transmission projects
• Define and maintain the roadmap and lifecycle for transmission functions
• Be escalation point for operational teams
• Ensure automation supports efficiency and quality

Skills

DWDM technology

ROADM architectures

Optical networking

Vendor engagement

Documentation

Security clearance readiness

Job description

• Must have NV1 clearance or able to obtain
• Must be an Australian Citizen

Are you looking for an awesome place to work, where you can proudly be your authentic self, and be part of #oneteam?

We are looking for a passionate team player who aligns with our values and culture, takes pride in their unique contributions, and can challenge the status quo with disruptive thinking. If this sounds like you, come and join us!

The Optical Engineering team sits within Vocus’ Network Engineering business unit with this role reporting to the Manager Optical Engineering. This team is accountable for the Engineering outcomes across Vocus Optical Networks including Intercapital, Regional, Metro and Submarine systems. This team works closely with other Engineering teams such as IP Engineering, Infrastructure Engineering, Product Engineering and Network and Capacity Planning. Outside of Engineering, this team works closely with Technology Operations, Carrier Relations and Procurement. This role requires an NV1 Clearance.

Key responsibilities

• Optical Engineering Subject Matter Expert
• Design DWDM networks in terrestrial and submarine networks
• Documentation of standards and design
• Work with vendors such as Ciena, Nokia, Adtran, or similar optical platform providers on both technical and commercial outcomes
• Evaluate new technologies and software releases
• Participate in technology roadmaps and standardisation activities
• Ensure solutions deliver efficient and functional outcomes
• Lead business case development and execution for transmission projects
• Define and maintain the roadmap and lifecycle for transmission functions
• Escalation point for Operational teams
• Ensure that design outcomes are operationally acceptable and lead to KPI target adherence
• Ensure solutions are well supported by automation for efficiency and quality outcomes.

Requirements

• Significant technical experience and background in DWDM technologies in a Service Provider environment
• Strong knowledge of DWDM, ROADM architectures, Optical Transport Networks (OTN), Fibre optics and transmission theory
• Minimum 5 years experience with optical vendors and long-haul transmission networks. Experience with submarine networks SLTE.
• Strong understanding of Industry Standards and Best Practice for efficient network design
• Pragmatic approach with a bias to action
• Excellent written and oral skills ensuring high-quality documentation and effective communication
• Ability and willingness to hold required security clearances.