Senior Optical Network Specialist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package with performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional growth

On-site in Mossel Bay

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Optical Network Specialist for Mossel Bay, Western Cape, to design, implement, and maintain a high-capacity optical transport network supporting reliable broadband services.

The role requires 6+ years in optical networking with DWDM/CWDM/ROADM/OTN expertise, hands-on configuration of Ciena/Nokia/Infinera gear, OTDR testing, and the ability to lead on-call response and documentation efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of hands-on optical network engineering and operations.
• In-depth knowledge of DWDM, CWDM, ROADM, and OTN.
• Proficiency with OTDRs, optical spectrum analyzers, and power meters.
• Experience with configuring and troubleshooting devices from Ciena, Nokia, or Infinera.
• Strong fiber optics knowledge, cable management, and splicing.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills for network performance.
• Ability to interpret complex network diagrams and specs.
• Good communication and teamwork; willing to work flexible hours and on-call roster.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy optical transport network equipment (DWDM, ROADM, OTN).
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot optical layer issues, and implement corrective actions to minimize service disruption.
• Perform regular maintenance and upgrades on optical network elements and infrastructure.
• Conduct OTDR testing and fiber characterization to ensure signal integrity.
• Collaborate with planning and engineering teams on network capacity expansion and technology upgrades.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for the optical network, including topology diagrams and configurations.
• Ensure adherence to industry standards and best practices for optical network deployment and operation.
• Provide technical support and guidance to junior network technicians.
• Participate in on-call rotation for urgent network issues and emergency repairs.
• Evaluate new optical networking technologies and vendor solutions.

Skills

DWDM

CWDM

ROADM

OTN

Fiber troubleshooting

Network performance monitoring

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

OTDR

Optical spectrum analyzers

Power meters

Vendor equipment configurations (Ciena/Nokia/Infinera)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Network Specialist to join their dedicated team based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This critical role involves the design, implementation, and maintenance of the company's high-capacity optical transport network, crucial for delivering reliable broadband services. You will be responsible for ensuring the performance, availability, and scalability of the optical infrastructure that underpins our client's operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to take on significant responsibility in a key operational hub for the company, contributing directly to the quality of service provided to customers in the Mossel Bay region and beyond. If you have a strong background in optical networking technologies and a passion for maintaining robust network infrastructure,

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy optical transport network equipment (e.g., DWDM, ROADM, OTN).
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot optical layer issues, and implement corrective actions to minimize service disruption.
• Perform regular maintenance and upgrades on optical network elements and infrastructure.
• Conduct optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) testing and fiber characterization to ensure signal integrity.
• Collaborate with planning and engineering teams on network capacity expansion and technology upgrades.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for the optical network, including topology diagrams and configurations.
• Ensure adherence to industry standards and best practices for optical network deployment and operation.
• Provide technical support and guidance to junior network technicians.
• Participate in on-call rotation for urgent network issues and emergency repairs.
• Evaluate new optical networking technologies and vendor solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field; equivalent practical experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in optical network engineering and operations.
• In-depth knowledge of optical transport technologies such as DWDM, CWDM, ROADM, and OTN.
• Proficiency with optical test equipment, including OTDR, optical spectrum analyzers, and power meters.
• Experience with configuration and troubleshooting of optical network elements from vendors like Ciena, Nokia, or Infinera.
• Strong understanding of fiber optic principles, cable management, and splicing techniques.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills related to optical network performance.
• Ability to interpret complex network diagrams and technical specifications.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and participate in an on-call roster as required.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with potential performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in optical networking.
• Provision of necessary tools, equipment, and protective gear.
• A stable and supportive work environment in Mossel Bay, Western Cape .
• Contribution to critical infrastructure development in the region.