Remote Optical Network Engineer

Placements24; Gauteng; Remote; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension fund

Learning & certification support

Remote work autonomy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Optical Network Engineer to design, deploy and optimize high‑capacity optical transport networks from anywhere in South Africa. You will lead DWDM/OTN configurations, monitor performance, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure service quality over long distances.

You should have a solid understanding of fiber optics, GMPLS or related control planes, and strong remote communication skills to support engineering and field partners in a fully

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 4+ years hands-on experience with optical networking technologies, DWDM/OTN.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting optical transport equipment from major vendors.
• Solid understanding of optical network principles: fiber optics, signal integrity, and power budgets.
• Experience with network management systems (NMS) and performance monitoring tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for remote work.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of GMPLS or other control plane protocols is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy optical network solutions, including DWDM, OTN, and ROADM systems.
• Perform network analysis, capacity planning, and performance monitoring for optical transport networks.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex optical network issues remotely, ensuring high availability and reliability.
• Develop and maintain network documentation, including circuit designs, equipment configurations, and provisioning guides.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including field operations and service assurance, to support network deployments and resolve issues.
• Evaluate new optical technologies and vendor equipment for potential integration into the network.
• Provide technical support and guidance to internal teams and external partners.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in optical networking.

Skills

DWDM

OTN

Network analysis

Performance monitoring

Remote collaboration

Troubleshooting

Fiber optics

Power budgeting

Education

Electrical Engineering

Telecommunications Engineering

Tools

NMS tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering telecommunications company, is expanding its distributed engineering team and is seeking a talented Remote Optical Network Engineer. This role is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere in **South Africa** while contributing to the design and optimization of our client's high-capacity optical transport networks. You will play a crucial part in ensuring the seamless delivery of data services across vast distances. The ideal candidate is proficient in optical transmission technologies, network planning, and possesses excellent remote collaboration skills. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking organization and shape the future of optical communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy optical network solutions, including DWDM, OTN, and ROADM systems.
• Perform network analysis, capacity planning, and performance monitoring for optical transport networks.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex optical network issues remotely, ensuring high availability and reliability.
• Develop and maintain network documentation, including circuit designs, equipment configurations, and provisioning guides.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including field operations and service assurance, to support network deployments and resolve issues.
• Evaluate new optical technologies and vendor equipment for potential integration into the network.
• Provide technical support and guidance to internal teams and external partners.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in optical networking.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on experience with optical networking technologies, specifically DWDM and OTN.
• Proficiency in configuring and troubleshooting optical transport equipment from major vendors.
• Solid understanding of optical network principles, including fiber optics, signal integrity, and power budgets.
• Experience with network management systems (NMS) and performance monitoring tools.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, suitable for a remote work environment.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Knowledge of GMPLS or other control plane protocols is a plus.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits, and a pension fund. Our client values work‑life balance and provides opportunities for continuous learning and professional certification. As a Remote Optical Network Engineer, you will have the flexibility to work from your preferred location while contributing to mission‑critical projects. You will be part of an innovative and supportive team, tackling complex challenges in the rapidly evolving field of optical telecommunications. This position is perfect for an experienced engineer seeking autonomy and impact.