Optical Network Engineer - Military veterans preferred

2025-08-16
Internet2
Other

/yr

  employee   contract


Ann Arbor
Michigan
48103
United States

Internet2

Location: US
Type: Full Time Regular


Internet2 is a non-profit, member-driven advanced research and higher education technology organization. Founded in 1996, Internet2 provides and delivers mission-critical technology services and programs. Internet2's core infrastructure components include the nation's largest and fastest network, and cloud and security services that are influenced, customized, and designed to address the unique needs of technology leaders in research and education (R&E). Internet2 serves and supports U.S. higher education institutions, federal government agencies, regional and state education networks, leading industry providers, and international R&E network partners across more than 100 countries. Internet2 programs advance opportunities to convene, collaborate, and innovate.

The Internet2 Network Services division maintains and operates the network infrastructure, provides outreach to network members, and develops custom network solutions for advanced research users. To help support this critical mission, we are seeking an Optical Network Engineer.

As an Optical Network Engineer at Internet2, you will have a key role in bringing innovative and cutting-edge services to life on the Internet2 network. Your primary work will include taking reference designs, business specifications, and customer requests - building and testing those configurations - and seeing those changes successfully deployed to serve our members. You will also contribute to the roadmap for our technology implementations, continuously improve the operational systems, and assist our community with the optimal implementation of our services. You will solve complex problems for our community, including assisting them with debugging and problem solving of transport applications on an end-to-end basis - including multiple networks at the national, regional, and campus. You will also serve on a team which includes an escalation point in support of our operations teams and periodically participate in on-call rotations.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Understand the transmission network needs and fiber infrastructure of Internet2.
  • Participate as an active member of the Network Engineering team to develop optical transport technologies.
  • Use optical Engineering Rules, OTDR and fiber design data to generate system link budget designs for equipment requirements such as multi-degree ROADMS, and Optical Amplifiers.
  • Understand the management of undersea fiber systems and be able to work with providers on sharing wet fiber capabilities.
  • Manage project timelines and resources to install and commission optical equipment in the Internet2 transport network.
  • Act as a technical expert for any transport equipment in use. Provide technical support to the Network Infrastructure and Operations Group, Network Operations Center and the Business Development groups.
  • Provide Tier 2+ and Tier 3 support for tickets for optical related issues escalated by network operations center.
  • With guidance, perform design and pricing estimates for specific customer application opportunities.
  • Lead and mentor in developing operating process and training for other engineers and service managers using IT service management principles.
  • Work with Engineers on testing and evaluation of product capabilities.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, engineering, physical sciences or related degree ( OR equivalent combination of education and experience)
  • 5+ years minimum experience with the following:
    • Networking fundamentals and direct experience with implementing applications
    • Experience with DWDM (Dense Wave Division Multiplexing) transmission systems, long-haul fiber facilities
    • Experience with physical connectivity at all layers, including DC cabling, power distribution, cross-connects


Preferred Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in a similar environment (multi-site campus, ISP, WAN, carrier network) experience with global backbone architectures; Unix and scripting experience; automation experience (including NSO)
  • Understanding of alarming and monitoring infrastructure; In-depth experience with optical technology such as WDM and OTN; experience with Ciena 6500/Waveserver platforms/MCP/SiteManager.


What We Offer:

Internet2 provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to foster work-life balance and promote the overall well-being of its employees. Our benefits encompass robust health, dental, and vision insurance options, life and disability insurance, and generous paid time off for vacation and sick days. In addition, your Internet2 benefits package includes:

\u0026bull; A retirement plan featuring a significant employer match on your contributions

\u0026bull; Paid holidays, floating holidays and paid time off between December 26 and 31

\u0026bull; Tuition reimbursement

\u0026bull; Opportunities for professional development, and more

Salary Range / Pay Grade:

$97,600 (Minimum) - $122,000 (Mid-point) / IT-4

Starting pay is typically from the minimum up to the midpoint of the pay range and varies based on experience.

Internet2 is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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