Optical Network Engineer, Google Global Infrastructure

Google Inc.; Sunnyvale, Thornton (CA, CO); On-site; USD 126,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Google Inc. is seeking an Optical Network Engineer to join the Global Infrastructure team in Sunnyvale, CA. The role focuses on designing and operating scalable optical networks, maintaining equipment, and automating test infrastructure.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years in optical engineering, with experience in lab test equipment and network infrastructure. Applicants should be ready to engage with vendors and internal teams to implement reliable, scalable platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3 years of experience in optical engineering and operations, optical networking, and network infrastructure.
• Experience operating and maintaining optical networking equipment.

Responsibilities

• Define requirements and identify technologies for scaling the transport network efficiently.
• Engage with external vendors and internal teams to operationalize stable, scalable platforms.
• Design and maintain optical testbed topologies to characterize transceivers, amplifiers, and line systems.
• Perform physical-layer validation and optical link-budget characterization to identify hardware performance limits.

Skills

Optical networking

Network operations

Equipment maintenance

Automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Optical lab test equipment

Test automation tools

Job description

Optical Network Engineer, Google Global Infrastructure

Mid

Experience driving progress, solving problems, and mentoring more junior team members; deeper expertise and applied knowledge within relevant area.

X The application window will be open until at least August 19, 2026. This opportunity will remain online based on business needs which may be before or after the specified date.Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Thornton, CO, USA; Sunnyvale, CA, USA.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  
• 3 years of experience in optical engineering and operations, optical networking, and network infrastructure.
• Experience operating and maintaining optical networking equipment.

• Experience with a network equipment manufacturer or operator in an engineering or design role.
• Experience using and automating optical lab test equipment and infrastructure.
• Experience with network operations, optical design, network architecture, and software engineering.

About the job

Google is proud to boast a network that provides service to millions of Internet users around the world. The Network Engineering team is responsible for operating that network reliably and at scale. As a member of the team, you have a direct impact on design and feature enhancements to keep our systems running smoothly. You also ensure that network operations are safe and efficient by monitoring network performance, coordinating planned maintenance, adjusting hardware components and responding to network connectivity issues. Google's complex network generates a constant stream of challenges which require you to continually be innovative with an evolving set of technologies. Keeping the network reliable ensures that our users stay connected with our suite of applications, products and services.

About the job

Google is proud to boast a network that provides service to millions of Internet users around the world. The Network Engineering team is responsible for operating that network reliably and at scale. As a member of the team, you have a direct impact on design and feature enhancements to keep our systems running smoothly. You also ensure that network operations are safe and efficient by monitoring network performance, coordinating planned maintenance, adjusting hardware components and responding to network connectivity issues. Google's complex network generates a constant stream of challenges which require you to continually be innovative with an evolving set of technologies. Keeping the network reliable ensures that our users stay connected with our suite of applications, products and services.

The AI and Infrastructure team is redefining what's possible. We empower Google customers with breakthrough capabilities and insights by delivering AI and Infrastructure at unparalleled scale, efficiency, reliability and velocity. Our customers include Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and billions of Google users worldwide.

We're the driving force behind Google's groundbreaking innovations, empowering the development of our cutting-edge AI models, delivering unparalleled computing power to global services, and providing the essential platforms that enable developers to build the future. From software to hardware our teams are shaping the future of world-leading hyperscale computing, with key teams working on the development of our TPUs, Vertex AI for Google Cloud, Google Global Networking, Data Center operations, systems research, and much more.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $126000 - $180000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .

• Define requirements and identify technologies for scaling the transport network efficiently.
• Engage with external vendors and internal teams to operationalize stable, scalable platforms.
• Design and maintain optical testbed topologies to characterize transceivers, amplifiers, and line systems.
• Perform physical-layer validation and optical link-budget characterization to identify hardware performance limits.
• Automate test infrastructure and develop tools for network management and operations.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.