Optical Network Engineer

Your next great opportunity is closer than you think — and this one is a gem.

The Talent Mine is partnering with a major technology company in the Seattle area to find an experienced Optical Network Engineer for a 12-month contract engagement. This is a high-impact role supporting the design, deployment, operations, and automation of large-scale DWDM optical transport networks in a mission-critical, globally connected environment. If you thrive in fast-paced, 24/7 operational settings and have a deep passion for optical networking, we want to talk.

Must-Have Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on DWDM/Optical networking experience, including direct deployment and operation of high-capacity DWDM systems at scale
• Deep knowledge of optical transport technologies including EDFA and Raman amplifiers, OSNR, FEC (HD-FEC/SD-FEC), chromatic dispersion, PMD, and nonlinear fiber effects
• Proven experience with optical planning and modeling tools and optical link design (span loss, fiber types per ITU-T G.652/G.654/G.655/G.657, connector/splice budgets)
• Hands-on proficiency with network troubleshooting tools: OSA, OTDR, power meters, BERTs, and loopbacks
• Experience in 24/7 operational environments with on-call responsibilities, change management processes, and a strong sense of when to escalate vs. act independently
• Strong project and time management skills with the ability to balance operational duties alongside product development and strategic initiatives
• Solid communication skills — written and verbal — with the ability to document work clearly and collaborate across teams

Nice to Have

• Scripting and automation experience (Python, Bash, Shell, or Perl) for tasks such as configuration deployment, software upgrades, metrics collection, and traffic shifting
• Experience with network design and architecture at scale, including topology planning and protocol knowledge
• Familiarity with cross-platform hardware/software integration across commodity and OEM optical platforms
• Ability to read, modify, and discuss automation workflows using tools like Python and Ansible

What Success Looks Like

• Background in telecommunications, ISPs, data center operations, or large-scale enterprise networks
• Someone who doesn't just execute tasks — they ask why, identify risks proactively, and treat every incident as a chance to improve the system long-term
• Comfortable navigating vendor UIs, proposing automation improvements, and contributing to operational excellence at scale

Disqualifying Factors

• No hands-on DWDM/optical experience
• No operational or on-call background
• Inability to communicate technical concepts clearly

The Talent Mine is a Seattle-based recruiting firm specializing in tech and climate professionals. We invest in our candidates with market intel, resume support, and a process built on integrity and inclusivity. Let's find your gem, together.