Optical Network Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life cover

Retirement plan

Hybrid work model

Performance incentives

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an Optical Network Engineer to join our client in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role focuses on design, implementation, and maintenance of high-capacity optical transport networks, including DWDM, OTN, and fiber optics.

You will monitor performance, perform fiber testing and splicing, document configurations, and collaborate across teams to upgrade networks. A bachelor’s degree in EE or telecom and 5+ years in optical networking are required, with vendor certifications a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in optical network engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in DWDM, OTN, and associated optical transport technologies.
• Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (OTDR, power meters, etc.) and fiber splicing techniques.
• Familiarity with network management systems (NMS) and protocols relevant to optical networks.
• Solid understanding of IP networking principles.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration capabilities.
• Relevant certifications such as Ciena, Nokia, or similar vendor certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy optical transport networks utilizing technologies such as DWDM, OTN, and SDH/SONET.
• Monitor network performance using sophisticated network management systems, identifying and resolving potential issues.
• Perform fiber optic testing, splicing, and troubleshooting to ensure signal integrity and network uptime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and execute network upgrades and expansions.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including optical path diagrams and equipment configurations.
• Respond to network alarms and incidents, providing rapid and effective resolution.
• Evaluate and test new optical networking equipment and technologies.
• Ensure network security and compliance with industry standards.
• Provide technical support and guidance to field technicians and other team members.

Skills

DWDM

OTN

SDH/SONET

IP networking

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Telecommunications

Tools

OTDR

Power meters

NMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in South Africa’s telecommunications backbone, is actively recruiting an Optical Network Engineer to join their expanding network operations team in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This role is central to the design, implementation, and maintenance of our client’s high-capacity optical transport networks. The successful candidate will possess a thorough understanding of optical networking technologies, including DWDM, OTN, and fiber optic principles. You will be instrumental in ensuring the reliability, performance, and scalability of our core optical infrastructure, supporting a growing demand for data services. This is a prime opportunity for a skilled engineer to contribute to critical national infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy optical transport networks utilizing technologies such as DWDM, OTN, and SDH/SONET.
• Monitor network performance using sophisticated network management systems, identifying and resolving potential issues.
• Perform fiber optic testing, splicing, and troubleshooting to ensure signal integrity and network uptime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and execute network upgrades and expansions.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including optical path diagrams and equipment configurations.
• Respond to network alarms and incidents, providing rapid and effective resolution.
• Evaluate and test new optical networking equipment and technologies.
• Ensure network security and compliance with industry standards.
• Provide technical support and guidance to field technicians and other team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in optical network engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in DWDM, OTN, and associated optical transport technologies.
• Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (OTDR, power meters, etc.) and fiber splicing techniques.
• Familiarity with network management systems (NMS) and protocols relevant to optical networks.
• Solid understanding of IP networking principles.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration capabilities.
• Relevant certifications such as Ciena, Nokia, or similar vendor certifications are a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, excellent performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life cover, and a retirement savings plan.
• We invest in our employees’ growth through extensive training programs and opportunities for professional development.
• This role, located in Vereeniging, Gauteng , utilizes a hybrid work model, balancing collaborative office work with remote flexibility.
• Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of telecommunications innovation and contribute to shaping the future of connectivity in South Africa.