Senior Optical Network Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Remote work flexibility

Conference attendance budget

Executive health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Optical Network Engineer to join a fully remote engineering team in South Africa. The role focuses on design, deployment, and optimization of high-capacity optical transport networks using DWDM, OTN, and MPLS.

The successful candidate will lead projects remotely, mentor engineers, and ensure network performance and reliability across major clients. You will work on feasibility studies, vendor evaluations, and proof-of-concept trials while shaping network strategy

Qualifications

• 10+ years in optical network design, deployment and operations.
• Expert knowledge of DWDM, OTN, SONET/SDH and MPLS.
• Proficiency with optical transmission systems, amplifiers and test equipment.
• Experience with network simulation and design tools.
• Strong fiber optic physical layer troubleshooting skills.
• Proven experience leading complex projects remotely.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable, resilient optical transport networks using DWDM, OTN, MPLS.
• Plan and deploy new optical infrastructure with capacity planning.
• Analyze performance and optimize existing networks for efficiency.
• Maintain network design docs, standards and best practices.
• Troubleshoot complex issues to minimize downtime.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide technical teams.

Skills

DWDM

OTN

MPLS

SONET/SDH

Network design

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

Tools

Network simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary leader in the telecommunications infrastructure space, is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Optical Network Engineer to join their fully remote engineering team. This position is critical for the design, implementation, and ongoing optimization of our client's high-capacity optical transport networks. As a remote-first company, we value autonomy, innovation, and collaboration, providing our engineers with the tools and flexibility to excel from any location within South Africa . You will play a key role in architecting resilient and scalable optical solutions that underpin modern communication services. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on challenging projects, influence network strategy, and contribute to the digital transformation initiatives of major organizations. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of optical networking principles and a passion for building robust, high-performance networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect scalable and resilient optical transport networks using DWDM, OTN, and MPLS technologies.
• Lead the planning and deployment of new optical network infrastructure, including capacity planning and technology selection.
• Perform detailed performance analysis and optimization of existing optical networks to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive network design documentation, standards, and best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex optical network issues, ensuring minimal downtime and service disruption.
• Collaborate with vendors and cross-functional teams to evaluate new technologies and solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior network engineers.
• Ensure network security and compliance with industry standards and client requirements.
• Conduct feasibility studies and proof-of-concept trials for new optical networking technologies.
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee the procurement of optical networking equipment.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent extensive experience.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in optical network design, deployment, and operations.
• Expert knowledge of DWDM, OTN, SONET/SDH, and MPLS technologies.
• Proficiency with optical transmission systems, amplifiers, multiplexers, and test equipment.
• Experience with network simulation and design tools.
• Strong understanding of fiber optic physical layer characteristics and troubleshooting.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and manage cross-functional teams remotely.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with major optical equipment vendors (e.g., Ciena, Nokia, Infinera).

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level salary.
• Remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere in South Africa .
• Generous stock options and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive executive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Significant contribution towards retirement savings.
• Unlimited professional development and conference attendance budget.
• Opportunity to shape the future of optical networks.
• Cutting-edge technology and project exposure.