Optical Network Engineer - Telecoms

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Health insurance

Company vehicle

Training & Dev

Impactful projects

Team support

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay is seeking a specialist Optical Network Engineer to join their advanced engineering team. You will design, deploy, and optimize fiber optic networks critical to our client’s infrastructure.

The role requires deep technical knowledge of DWDM, CWDM and GPON, hands-on deployment experience, and proficiency with OTDR and optical power meters. You will collaborate with field crews and stay updated on new technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in optical network engineering and deployment.
• Strong knowledge of optical transmission technologies (e.g., DWDM, CWDM, GPON).
• Proficiency with optical test equipment (OTDR, optical power meters) and network analysis tools.
• Experience with fiber optic cable management, splicing, and termination techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret network diagrams and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect scalable fiber optic networks, including fiber routes, splicing plans, and equipment placement.
• Install, configure, test, and maintain optical network equipment such as DWDM, OTN, and PON systems.
• Perform optical power loss measurements, OTDR testing, and troubleshoot fiber optic transmission issues.
• Develop and implement network monitoring strategies for optical links to ensure service continuity.
• Collaborate with field teams and technicians to ensure quality installations and adherence to standards.
• Stay abreast of new optical networking technologies and recommend upgrades or enhancements.

Skills

Optical network engineering

DWDM

CWDM

GPON

OTDR

Network analysis

Reading network diagrams

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field

Tools

OTDR

Optical power meters

Network analysis tools

Fiber optic test equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a specialist Optical Network Engineer to join their advanced engineering team in Richards Bay. This role is central to the design, implementation, and optimization of our client's fiber optic network infrastructure. You will be at the forefront of deploying and managing high-capacity optical networks that form the backbone of modern telecommunications. The ideal candidate has a deep technical understanding of optical networking technologies, coupled with practical experience in network deployment and maintenance. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated engineer to contribute to critical infrastructure projects and advance their career in a growing sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect scalable fiber optic networks , including fiber routes, splicing plans, and equipment placement.
• Install, configure, test, and maintain optical network equipment such as DWDM, OTN, and PON systems.
• Perform optical power loss measurements, OTDR testing, and troubleshoot fiber optic transmission issues.
• Develop and implement network monitoring strategies for optical links to ensure service continuity.
• Collaborate with field teams and technicians to ensure quality installations and adherence to standards.
• Stay abreast of new optical networking technologies and recommend upgrades or enhancements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in optical network engineering and deployment.
• Strong knowledge of optical transmission technologies (e.g., DWDM, CWDM, GPON).
• Proficiency with optical test equipment (OTDR, optical power meters) and network analysis tools.
• Experience with fiber optic cable management, splicing, and termination techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret network diagrams and technical documentation.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Company vehicle and travel expenses covered for site visits.
• Access to advanced training and professional development programs.
• A challenging and rewarding role contributing to vital infrastructure development.
• Supportive team environment focused on technical excellence.