Optical Network Engineer

CACI; Florham Park (NJ); On-site; USD 87,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI is seeking an Optical Network Engineer to design and support advanced network solutions for government customers. The role emphasizes security-aware design, convergence of optical technologies, and hands-on engineering across testbeds and live networks.

You will collaborate with customers to translate requirements into robust cyber-enabled network solutions while upholding strict clearance and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Active Top-Secret/SCI clearance preferred and ability to obtain additional clearance.
• BA in Network Engineering or Systems Engineering or related discipline.
• 8–10 years of related work experience.
• Knowledge of optical transport technologies (SONET/SDH, OTN, DWDM).
• Experience designing, deploying, maintaining and troubleshooting live and testbed converged optical networks.
• IP networking, cyber security and system engineering background.

Responsibilities

• Design and configure networks representative of real networks and technologies.
• Identify and evaluate security strengths and weaknesses in these converged networks.
• Research solutions to cyber security and computer networking problems.
• Communicate understanding of network architecture and design.
• Characterize and analyze network traffic.
• Generate reports and presentations for documenting results.
• Develop relationships with customers and identify new approaches to address needs.
• Identify, propose and execute new research ideas.
• Travel to customer sites as necessary.
• Adhere to CACI Ethical and Compliance policies.

Skills

IP networking

Cyber security

System engineering

Analytical skills

Strong written communication

Education

BA in Network Engineering or Systems Engineering

Tools

C

C++

Linux

Job description

Job Title: Optical Network EngineerJob Category: Information TechnologyTime Type: Full timeMinimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCIEmployee Type: RegularPercentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%Type of Travel: Continental US* * *

The Opportunity:

In this role, you’ll join a team of passionate and innovative engineers to understand and anticipate evolving Cybersecurity needs and challenges. You’ll leverage your experience—along with targeted research into network technologies, cyber tools, and emerging techniques to develop forward‑thinking solutions that address both customer and industry demands. Working directly with customers, you will translate their requirements into well‑designed cyber solutions that strengthen our nation’s overall Cybersecurity posture.

Responsibilities:

• Design and configure networks representative of real networks and technologies, including large- and small-scale networks integrating DWDM, OTN, SONET/SDH and/or other non-optical network technologies.
• Identify and evaluate security strengths and weaknesses in these converged technology small and large-scale networks.
• Research solutions to challenging cyber security and computer networking problems
• Communicate understanding of network architecture and design
• Characterize and analyze network traffic
• Generate reports and presentations suitable for documenting and communicating results to peers and team members
• Develop relationships with customers and cooperatively identify new approaches to address customer needs
• Identify, propose and execute new research ideas
• Travel to customer sites as necessary
• Understand and adhere to all CACI Ethical and Compliance policies.
• Proactively ensure a safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as required
• Obtain/retain a government security clearance at the level to perform the duties of the position

Qualifications:

Required:

• Strong preference for active Top-Secret/SCI government security clearance, AND ability to obtain additional clearance(s) as needed at the level to perform the job
• BA in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of related work experience.
• Knowledge of current and emerging optical transport technologies (SONET/SDH, OTN, DWDM, etc) and product lines
• Experience designing, deploying, maintaining and troubleshooting live and testbed converged optical networks
• Networking and/or computer science background including broad knowledge in IP networking, cyber security and system engineering
• Working knowledge of IP (v4 and v6) and computer and network security
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong writing and communications skills

Desired:

• Knowledge and experience with other non-optical network technologies (e.g. IP, MPLS, LTE, 5G, etc)
• Knowledge of network protocols such as TCP/IP, Dynamic Host Configuration, Domain Name System (DNS), and directory services
• Skill in performing packet-level analysis
• Software development skills and demonstrated experience in current languages such as C, C++.
• Experience with Linux operating systems at all layers (boot, kernel space, user space)
• Ethical hacking skills and experience with penetration testing and reverse engineering tools

What You Can Expect:

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range:

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

$86,600 - $181,800

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.