Optical Network Engineer – Secret Clearance |Fort Meade, MD

Cambridge International Systems, Inc.; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Sign-on bonus

Tuition support

Employee referral program

Job summary

Cambridge International Systems, Inc. is seeking an Optical Network Engineer to support operations at Fort Meade, MD. This full-time CONUS role requires a DoD Secret clearance and offers a base salary of $114,660 to $130,000 annually.

The engineer will develop test plans, analyze optical transport equipment, and provide Tier III support to resolve complex network issues while collaborating with DISA engineers and vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with 5+ years optical systems engineering experience
• Experience configuring, testing, designing, implementing, or troubleshooting telecommunication networks
• Security+ certification or equivalent 8570 IAT II (within 3 months of joining)

Responsibilities

• Develop test cases, test reports and implementation plans for optical architectures and new technologies
• Provide Tier III optical engineering support; mentor Tier II engineers and vendors
• Analyze optical transport equipment functionality and interoperability across OTN, SONET, Ethernet systems
• Operate BERT test equipment and develop test plans based on equipment testing
• Perform interoperability testing among vendors’ OTN equipment and edge devices
• Provide recommendations for deploying new equipment and brief group leads on status
• Support DISA Tier II optical engineers to identify, track, and resolve complex network issues
• Assist in planning, designing and evaluating new and existing networks and services

Skills

Optical engineering

DWDM

Networking protocols

Microsoft Office

Security+ / IAT II

Education

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Security+ certification or equivalent

Tools

Visio

Job description

Cambridge International Systems, Inc.

Join a dynamic global team united by shared values:

Join a dynamic global team united by shared values: commitment, integrity, and perseverance. At Cambridge, you’ll work alongside top talent worldwide, tackling some of today’s most complex and critical challenges in defense and security.

We are currently seeking an Optical Network Engineer to support operations in Fort Meade, MD. This is a full-time, CONUS position requiring an active DoD Secret clearance.

The base salary range for this role is $114,660.00 to $130,000.00annually, depending on geographic location and experience. The final offer will be based on relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and market data. Pay within this range will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

What You’ll Do

• Develop test cases, test reports and implementation plan in evaluating engineering architectures, new technologies and approaches to unique engineering problems.
• Candidate will also function as a Tier III Optical engineer assisting Tier II engineers and vendors to provide solutions to resolve real world Optical network issues
• Optical Testing:
  • Analyze new/old optical transport equipment functionality and interoperability amongst various transport networks (Optical Transport Networks (OTN), Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Ethernet) and cryptographic equipment
  • Operate various Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) test equipment in support of equipment testing
  • Develop test cases, test reports and implementation plans based on equipment testing
  • Perform interoperability testing between different vendors OTN equipment
  • Perform interoperability testing between edge devices and OTN equipment
  • Determine and provide Recommendations with supporting documentation for new equipment to be deployed /not deployed in the operational network
  • Brief the group leads on project status
• Tier III Support:
  • Work with DISA Tier II optical engineers to identify, track, and develop solutions to complex network problems
  • Mock-up equipment problems in the Test Lab to reproduce the problem and work toward a solution
• Engineering support:
  • Analyze new Optical transport equipment
  • Determine/identify functional capabilities of new equipment
  • Provide SME support in identifying equipment capabilities
• Plans, designs, and evaluates new and existing computer network systems and services, including local area networks, wide area networks, intranets, and the Internet, providing analytical, technical, and administrative support
• Plans, oversees, develops, and implements network policies and procedures and ensures network integrity as maintenance and modification projects to existing applications are undertaken

What You’ll Bring

Must be proficient in using different technologies such as computers and other tools and systems pertinent to the position.

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree is preferred
  • 5 + years of Optical systems engineering experience configuring, testing, designing, implementing, or troubleshooting telecommunication networks
  • Security+ certification or equivalent 8570 IAT II certification. (Should be able to obtain within 3 months from joining)
• Technical Expertise:
  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office suite to include Word, Excel, and Visio technical drawing program
  • Ability to work along with no or little assistance to complete equipment testing
  • Ability to work in a group to achieve the common goal to resolve complex network issues
  • Extensive knowledge of Dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technologies
  • Experience with SONET, DWDM, Time-division multiplexing (TDM) and Ethernet technologies
• Clearance:
  • Must have a current and active DoD Secret security clearance

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Periods of prolonged sitting and/or standing, including desk-based computer work
• Travel between work locations, including company offices, customer sites, and government installations.
• Occasional extended work hours, including evenings or weekends, as needed.
• Work is performed in a secure facility where personal electronic devices (including Bluetooth- or Wi‑Fi-enabled devices) may be restricted.
• Communication with team members, customers, and stakeholders through verbal and written methods.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work under deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Interaction with others in dynamic environments, including situations requiring problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Background & Security

• Employment is contingent upon successful background investigation
• Alcohol and Drug screening may be required for federal contract compliance

Benefits & Perks

We believe in investing in our team—both professionally and personally:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) immediate vesting and match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Generous tuition & training support
• Relocation assistance
• Sign-on and performance-based bonuses
• Employee referral program
• Access to Tickets at Work, EAP, wellness initiatives, and more

Join Us

If you're driven by mission, technology, and teamwork—we want to hear from you. Cambridge is growing, and this position is just one of many opportunities on our global team. Know someone perfect for the role? Referrals are welcome—both employees and non-employees may qualify for a bonus.

About Cambridge International Systems

At Cambridge, we recognize innovation and agility grow through teamwork. By working collaboratively, listening proactively, and engaging across functions we create solutions that build on the best ideas our employees bring to the table. We are committed to one another, to persevere in order to get the job done, and to do so with integrity every time. Learn more at www.cbridgeinc.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to any protected status under applicable law or other similar factors that are not job‑related.

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment. Selected applicants may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with federal, state, and local law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact our Recruiting Team at [e-mail].