Optical Transport Network Engineer

SkyePoint Decisions; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Certification incentive program

PTO

Floating federal holidays

Health insurance (HMO)

High Deductible plans with HSA

FSAs

Dental and Vision

401k matched

Job summary

SkyePoint Decisions is seeking an Optical Transport Network Engineer to support a Department of State program in Springfield, VA. The role covers DWDM systems, metro networks, and ring topologies with a hybrid work setup.

You will ensure secure, high‑performance connectivity across facilities and contribute to modernization of optical routes. The position requires 5+ years in optical transport networks, experience with ROADM equipment, and a US Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in optical transport networks or DWDM.
• 5+ years Tier 2-3 network engineering.
• Familiar with enterprise routing and switching (LAN/WAN).
• Hands-on with DWDM components and ROADM gear.
• US citizenship with Active Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, maintain, and troubleshoot DWDM optical transport systems in metro networks.
• Support reliable operation of fiber‑optic ring networks and protection schemes.
• Diagnose transport‑layer events using telemetry and OTN-like alarms and indicators.
• Develop and maintain documentation, diagrams, and wavelength plans.
• Provide input for modernization efforts involving fiber plant upgrades and new optical routes.

Skills

DWDM

Carrier-grade networks

LAN/WAN routing

ROADM equipment

OTN knowledge

CCNA

Security clearance

Tools

Ciena

Infinera

Nokia Optical

Job description

SkyePoint Decisions is a leading Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering, Critical Infrastructure and Operations, and Applications Development and Maintenance IT service provider headquartered in Dulles, Virginia with operations across the U.S. We provide innovative enterprise-wide solutions as well as targeted services addressing the complex challenges faced by our federal government clients. Our focus is on enabling our clients to deliver their mission most efficiently and effectively – anytime, anywhere, securely. We combine technical expertise, mission awareness, and an empowered workforce to produce meaningful results.

This position is contingent on customer approval.

SkyePoint Decisions is seeking an Optical Transport Network Engineer to support a Department of State (DOS) program.

The Network Engineer will provide technical expertise in the engineering, operation, and sustainment of metropolitan‑area fiber transport systems using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), ring‑based fiber topologies, and network architectures such as Optical Transport Network (OTN) technology and SONET/SDH. This role supports mission‑critical enterprise transport services across Department facilities, ensuring resilient, secure, and high‑performance connectivity between IT networks.

This is a hybrid position and is located in Springfield, VA.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, maintain, and troubleshoot DWDM optical transport systems supporting metropolitan‑area networks, including power levels, optical budgets, wavelength assignments, and fault isolation.
• Support the reliable operation of fiber‑optic ring networks, including monitoring of protection switching, managing topology changes, and ensuring continuity of critical data paths.
• Diagnose transport‑layer events using carrier‑grade telemetry, alarm structures, and diagnostic indicators analogous to SONET (LOS, LOF, AIS, RDI, etc.).
• Develop and maintain documentation, diagrams, optical power logs, wavelength plans, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide technical input for modernization efforts involving fiber plant upgrades, DWDM system enhancements, or new optical routes.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience engineering, operating, and troubleshooting carrier‑grade optical transport networks, DWDM systems, or fiber‑based metropolitan‑area transport infrastructures.
• 5+ Years of Tier 2-3 Network Engineering and Administration.
• Engineering familiarity with enterprise network routing and switching systems for LAN/WAN connectivity
• Hands‑on experience with DWDM transport systems, optical amplifiers, multiplexers/demultiplexers, transponders, and ROADM‑class equipment
• Understanding of metropolitan fiber‑optic ring topologies, protection schemes, and failover mechanisms (e.g., UPSR/BLSR‑style concepts and OTN equivalents: ODUk (Optical Data Unit) sub‑layer protection mechanisms and ODU-MS/RING protection.)
• Knowledge of legacy or carrier‑grade transport protocols analogous to Optical Transport Network (OTN) technology framing, alarms, and OAM functions
• Experience working with carrier transport systems during migration phases (e.g., transitioning services between backbone networks or protected optical segments)
• CCNA, JNCIA/JNCIS, Ciena, Infinera, Nokia Optical, or equivalent networking/optical transport certification preferred.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with an Active Secret Clearance.

Compensation

Salary Range: $120,000-$145,000

The SkyePoint Decisions salary range for this position is a general guideline only. It represents an estimated range for this position and is just one piece of our total compensation package.

Salary at SkyePoint is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, work schedule, the candidate’s combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability, market data and business considerations.

In addition to a competitive salary, SkyePoint offers benefits including a certification incentive program, PTO, floating federal holiday options, several insurance options including HMO and High Deductible plans with Health Savings Accounts [HSAs], Flex Spending Accounts [FSAs], Full Dental Plans, Vision, ST/LT Disability, Life Insurance, and 401k matched.

What We Can Offer You

• At SkyePoint, we go B.I.G. (beginning in GRATITUDE) by recognizing all we have and giving back to our employees, families, and communities. It instills a positive mindset that permeates all we do. By beginning in gratitude, SkyePoint can continue to spread living in gratitude each day.
• Great Benefits: Several insurance options including HMO and High Deductible plans with Health Savings Accounts [HSAs], Flex Spending Accounts [FSAs], Full Dental Plans, ST/LT Disability, Life Insurance, floating federal holiday options, and 401k matched
• Certificate Incentive Program: To promote professional development, we recognize and reward employees who obtain new certifications aligned with business needs.
• Flexible Work Environment

SkyePoint Decisions is an established ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certified small business and appraised at CMMI Level 3 for Services and Development. We possess a common vision of excellence and foster a collaborative team culture built upon individual performance and accountability. We invest in our people and systems to create value for our clients. It is the SkyePoint Way. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with exceptional people and give back to the communities we serve. Our employees value the flexibility at SkyePoint that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives.

SkyePoint Decisions is a participating E-Verify Employer.

U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

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