Berkeley Lab · 10 hours ago
Optical Engineer
Bay Area, California, United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$157K/yr - $192K/yr
8+ years expBerkeley Lab’s Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) Division is seeking an Optical Engineer to join their team. The role involves designing, deploying, and operating large-scale DWDM optical transport systems while collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver reliable transport services that support mission-critical science.
Research
Responsibilities
Design, deploy, and operate large-scale DWDM optical transport systems, including link engineering, loss budgets, OSNR analysis, amplifier planning, and ROADM architectures
Commission and maintain optical systems using industry best practices, including OTDR analysis, fiber characterization, and performance validation
Act as a technical authority for ESnet transport platforms, providing expert guidance on system behavior, limitations, and optimization
Integrate optical transport systems with ESnet’s IP/MPLS backbone and advanced network services
Provide escalation support for optical-related incidents and participate in an on-call rotation in support of 24×7 operations
Troubleshoot complex, end-to-end network issues spanning optical, IP, and application layers across multiple administrative domains
Lead transport-related projects from concept through deployment, including scope definition, scheduling, vendor coordination, and implementation
Develop optical designs, capacity plans, and cost estimates to support infrastructure planning and procurement
Evaluate new transport technologies, platforms, and features; contribute to ESnet’s optical technology roadmap
Maintain accurate technical documentation, designs, and operational procedures
Network with key contacts outside own area of expertise
Determine methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel
Exercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results
Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders including routing, operations, science engagement, software engineering, and business operations teams
Coordinate with external partners such as vendors, carriers, and R&E peers to provision, modify, and optimize network services
Provide technical mentoring and guidance to less-experienced engineers and contribute to the development of operational processes and training materials
Exposure to or experience supporting long-haul and subsea fiber systems, including collaboration with providers on spectrum availability, wet-plant capabilities, and system constraints
Experience working with international or inter-domain optical systems and partners
Familiarity with large-scale capacity planning across heterogeneous optical infrastructures
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, and 8 years of relevant networking experience, with significant depth in optical transport systems. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience designing, deploying, and operating DWDM optical networks in production environments
Strong understanding of WAN and LAN technologies and protocols, including IPv4/IPv6, BGP, IS-IS, MPLS, Segment Routing, and related services
Experience leading technical projects, including defining scope, schedules, and budgets, and delivering results on time
Hands-on experience with optical transport platforms from vendors such as Ciena and Nokia (Infinera)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative, service-oriented mindset
Experience working in environments that use IT service management and project tracking tools (e.g., Jira, ServiceNow)
Proficiency in optical system installation, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting in large-scale networks
Ability to conduct and interpret network diagnostic tests using optical and IP test equipment
Proven ability to write clear, accurate technical documentation, designs, and operational procedures
Proven ability to work independently on complex projects while contributing effectively within a team
Demonstrated commitment to documentation, operational excellence, and continuous learning
Willingness to travel occasionally for installations, upgrades, and strategic planning activities
Preferred
Experience working with international or inter-domain optical systems and partners
Familiarity with large-scale capacity planning across heterogeneous optical infrastructures
Experience with, or interest in, Research and Education (R&E) networking and DOE Office of Science programs is highly desirable
Familiarity with automation, orchestration, or software-assisted network operations is a plus
Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits
Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with experienced professionals
Professional development and growth opportunities, including training and certification programs
Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
Company
Berkeley Lab
Berkeley Lab is a national laboratory that creates advanced new tools for scientific discovery.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Berkeley Lab has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (154)
2024 (159)
2023 (163)
2022 (154)
2021 (165)
2020 (107)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Mary Barnum, MBA
Business Manager, COO Office
Rebecca Rishell
Deputy Chief Operating Officer
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