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# Network (Optical Transport Engineer

- **Company:** The Judge Group
- **Location:** South Run, VA, United States
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Synchronous Optical Networking, Computer Networks, Wavelength-Division Multiplexing, Network Architecture, Ring Networks, Wide Area Networks, Juniper, Transport Protocols
- **Published:** October 5, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9216994/network-optical-transport-engineer

## About the Role

Certifications

 * CCNA or equivalent (e.g., Optical transport or carrier-grade networking certifications - Ciena, Infinera, Juniper JNCIS-SP), * Engineering familiarity with enterprise network routing and switching systems for LAN/WAN connectivity
 * Hands-on experience with DWDM transport systems, optical amplifiers, multiplexers/demultiplexers, transponders, and ROADM-class equipment
 * Understanding of metropolitan fiber-optic ring topologies, protection schemes, and failover mechanisms (e.g., UPSR/BLSR-style concepts and OTN equivalents: ODUk (Optical Data Unit) sub-layer protection mechanisms and ODU-MS/RING protection.)
 * Knowledge of legacy or carrier-grade transport protocols analogous to Optical Transport Network (OTN) technology framing, alarms, and OAM functions

 * Experience working with carrier transport systems during migration phases (e.g., transitioning services between backbone networks or protected optical segments)

## Description

The Network Engineer will provide technical expertise in the engineering, operation, and sustainment of metropolitan-area fiber transport systems using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), ring-based fiber topologies, and network architectures such as Optical Transport Network (OTN) technology and SONET/SDH. This role supports mission-critical enterprise transport services across Department facilities, ensuring resilient, secure, and high-performance connectivity between IT networks., * Engineer, maintain, and troubleshoot DWDM optical transport systems supporting metropolitan-area networks, including power levels, optical budgets, wavelength assignments, and fault isolation.

 * Support the reliable operation of fiber-optic ring networks, including monitoring of protection switching, managing topology changes, and ensuring continuity of critical data paths.
 * Diagnose transport-layer events using carrier-grade telemetry, alarm structures, and diagnostic indicators analogous to SONET (LOS, LOF, AIS, RDI, etc.).
 * Develop and maintain documentation, diagrams, optical power logs, wavelength plans, and standard operating procedures.
 * Provide technical input for modernization efforts involving fiber plant upgrades, DWDM system enhancements, or new optical routes.net