Optical Network Deployment Engineer - AI Backbone

Meta; Temple (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta is seeking an Optical Network Deployment Engineer to plan and execute deployments across a large-scale backbone, edge, and optical network, with a focus on AI infrastructure.

You will lead planning, implementation, and migrations, working across data centers, cloud environments, and interconnects. The role requires 5+ years in optical networking, proficiency with DWDM/ROADM/OTN and coherent optics, and strong collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in optical network engineering, design, or deployment.
• Expertise in DWDM, ROADM, OTN (G.709), and coherent optics (400G/800G).
• Experience with optical line systems and transponder platforms (e.g., Ciena, Nokia, Infinera, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated expertise in architecting and deploying complex network solutions across data centers, backbone, edge, and public cloud environments.
• Experience with field-based work in 3rd Party Network Collocation Facilities, Internet Exchanges, Data Center, Central Offices, etc
• Track record of defining and executing successful network strategies with measurable, organization-wide impact
• Experience analyzing technical data to inform decisions, communicating risks and trade-offs to technical and non-technical stakeholders, and collaborating across teams to deliver results in large-scale network environments
• Experience in communicating risks and action plans to stakeholders as well as building relationships and collaboration within a cross-functional team and business leaders
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time
• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
• Experience with process improvement and systems development, leveraging automation to streamline repetitive workflows
• Experience working in a Data Center, DC architecture and issues related to data center networks
• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
• Experience building automation solutions (e.g., Python, Go) and working with network configuration management tooling
• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact
• Working knowledge of Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning models
• Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD) in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute network deployments and migrations across backbone, edge, and optical networks.
• Design and deploy complex network solutions across data centers, backbone, edge, and public cloud environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, assess risks, and drive implementation to completion.
• Integrate AI tools to optimize workflows and drive measurable efficiency and quality improvements.
• Travel approximately 10% of the time as needed for field deployments and partner coordination.

Skills

DWDM

ROADM

OTN (G.709)

coherent optics

optical line systems

transponder platforms

data centers

automation (Python, Go)

AI tools integration

stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related field

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in CS/Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Meta is seeking an Optical Network Deployment Engineer to plan and execute deployments across a large-scale backbone, edge, and optical network, with a focus on AI infrastructure.

You will lead planning, implementation, and migrations, working across data centers, cloud environments, and interconnects. The role requires 5+ years in optical networking, proficiency with DWDM/ROADM/OTN and coherent optics, and strong collaboration with cross-functional teams.