Senior Optical Network Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Remote work flexibility

Paid vacation and holidays

Training and professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Optical Network Engineer to join a global leader in high-speed data transport solutions. This fully remote role allows you to work from anywhere within Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA, contributing to design, implementation, and optimization of cutting-edge optical networks.

You will lead design efforts, upgrades, and performance monitoring, mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
• 6-8 years of experience in optical network design, implementation, and operations.
• In-depth knowledge of DWDM, OTN, SONET/SDH, and MPLS-TP technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect robust optical network solutions, including DWDM, OTN, and MPLS-TP implementations.
• Plan and execute network upgrades and expansions to meet growing capacity demands.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues within the optical transport network, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Develop and maintain detailed network documentation, including optical path designs, equipment configurations, and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including field operations and service delivery, to ensure successful project implementation.
• Evaluate and select new optical networking equipment and technologies from various vendors.
• Monitor network performance and availability, implementing proactive measures to maintain service levels.
• Stay current with industry trends, standards (e.g., ITU-T), and best practices in optical networking.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers within the optical networking domain.
• Participate in on‑call rotations for critical network support.

Skills

DWDM

OTN

MPLS-TP

SONET/SDH

Fiber optics

Power budgets

Dispersion management

Network monitoring

Troubleshooting

Remote teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE/CE/Telecom

Tools

Ciena

Nokia

Infinera

Cisco

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in providing high-speed data transport solutions, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Optical Network Engineer to join their innovative and entirely remote engineering team. This role offers the unique opportunity to work from anywhere within **Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA**, contributing to the design, implementation, and optimization of cutting-edge optical networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect robust optical network solutions, including DWDM, OTN, and MPLS-TP implementations.
• Plan and execute network upgrades and expansions to meet growing capacity demands.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues within the optical transport network, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Develop and maintain detailed network documentation, including optical path designs, equipment configurations, and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including field operations and service delivery, to ensure successful project implementation.
• Evaluate and select new optical networking equipment and technologies from various vendors.
• Monitor network performance and availability, implementing proactive measures to maintain service levels.
• Stay current with industry trends, standards (e.g., ITU-T), and best practices in optical networking.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers within the optical networking domain.
• Participate in on‑call rotations for critical network support.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in optical network design, implementation, and operations.
• In‑depth knowledge of DWDM, OTN, SONET/SDH, and MPLS-TP technologies.
• Experience with optical transmission equipment from major vendors (e.g., Ciena, Nokia, Infinera, Cisco).
• Proficiency in optical network design tools and simulation software.
• Strong understanding of fiber optics principles, including optical power budgets and dispersion management.
• Experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools specific to optical networks.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team setting.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Ciena CCT, Nokia NSP) are a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of R per annum.
• Fully remote work opportunity, offering significant lifestyle flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advanced training in optical networking.
• Exposure to state-of-the art optical transport technologies.
• A collaborative and supportive remote team culture.
• Retirement savings contribution.