{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"0be8fe7d25fd11c850f056ea","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/0be8fe7d25fd11c850f056ea","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/0be8fe7d25fd11c850f056ea","title":"Optical Engineer","description":"Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) Division has an immediate opening for an Optical Engineer to join our team.\r\nIn this role, you will serve as a senior optical network engineer within ESnet's Network Services group, with primary responsibility to apply a wide-range of expertise to the design, deployment, and operation of ESnet's international DWDM optical transport infrastructure, tightly integrated with ESnet's IP/MPLS backbone and science services. The position requires strong working knowledge of advanced routing protocols, such as BGP, IS-IS, Segment Routing and IP network services, as well as the ability to perform general network connectivity troubleshooting and end-to-end problem resolution across optical, IP, and application layers in a large-scale production environment. You will work closely with ESnet engineers, operations teams, scientific user sites, Regional Optical Networks (RONs), international partners, vendors, and carriers to deliver reliable, high-performance transport services that support mission-critical science.\r\nThe Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) provides high-bandwidth, highly reliable networking that enables scientists at national laboratories, universities, and research institutions to collaborate on some of the world's most important scientific challenges, including energy, climate science, and fundamental physics. Funded by the DOE Office of Science and operated by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, ESnet connects scientists to unique DOE facilities, large-scale computing resources, and global research partners.\r\nThe position involves significant technical ownership, project leadership, and cross-organizational collaboration.\r\nWhat We Offer\r\nCompetitive salary and benefits\r\nOpportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with experienced professionals\r\nProfessional development and growth opportunities, including training and certification programs\r\nFlexible work arrangements, including remote work options\r\nYou will\r\nDesign, deploy, and operate large-scale DWDM optical transport systems, including link engineering, loss budgets, OSNR analysis, amplifier planning, and ROADM architectures.\r\nCommission and maintain optical systems using industry best practices, including OTDR analysis, fiber characterization, and performance validation.\r\nAct as a technical authority for ESnet transport platforms, providing expert guidance on system behavior, limitations, and optimization.\r\nIntegrate optical transport systems with ESnet's IP/MPLS backbone and advanced network services.\r\nProvide escalation support for optical-related incidents and participate in an on-call rotation in support of 24×7 operations.\r\nTroubleshoot complex, end-to-end network issues spanning optical, IP, and application layers across multiple administrative domains.\r\nLead transport-related projects from concept through deployment, including scope definition, scheduling, vendor coordination, and implementation.\r\nDevelop optical designs, capacity plans, and cost estimates to support infrastructure planning and procurement.\r\nEvaluate new transport technologies, platforms, and features; contribute to ESnet's optical technology roadmap.\r\nMaintain accurate technical documentation, designs, and operational procedures.\r\nNetwork with key contacts outside own area of expertise.\r\nDetermine methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel.\r\nExercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.\r\nCollaborate closely with internal stakeholders including routing, operations, science engagement, software engineering, and business operations teams.\r\nCoordinate with external partners such as vendors, carriers, and R&E peers to provision, modify, and optimize network services.\r\nProvide technical mentoring and guidance to less-experienced engineers and contribute to the development of operational processes and training materials.\r\nAdditional Responsibilities as needed\r\nExposure to or experience supporting long-haul and subsea fiber systems, including collaboration with providers on spectrum availability, wet-plant capabilities, and system constraints.\r\nExperience working with international or inter-domain optical systems and partners.\r\nFamiliarity with large-scale capacity planning across heterogeneous optical infrastructures.\r\nWe are looking for\r\nBachelor'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.\r\nDemonstrated experience designing, deploying, and operating DWDM optical networks in production environments.\r\nStrong understanding of WAN and LAN technologies and protocols, including IPv4/IPv6, BGP, IS-IS, MPLS, Segment Routing, and related services.\r\nExperience leading technical projects, including defining scope, schedules, and budgets, and delivering results on time.\r\nHands-on experience with optical transport platforms from vendors such as Ciena and Nokia (Infinera)\r\nExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative, service-oriented mindset.\r\nExperience working in environments that use IT service management and project tracking tools (e.g., Jira, ServiceNow).\r\nExperience with, or interest in, Research and Education (R&E) networking and DOE Office of Science programs is highly desirable.\r\nProficiency in optical system installation, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting in large-scale networks.\r\nAbility to conduct and interpret network diagnostic tests using optical and IP test equipment.\r\nProven ability to write clear, accurate technical documentation, designs, and operational procedures.\r\nFamiliarity with automation, orchestration, or software-assisted network operations is a plus.\r\nProven ability to work independently on complex projects while contributing effectively within a team.\r\nDemonstrated commitment to documentation, operational excellence, and continuous learning.\r\nWillingness to travel occasionally for installations, upgrades, and strategic planning activities.\r\nAdditional information\r\nAppointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.\r\nSalary range: The expected salary for this position is $156,864 - $191,724, which fits into the full salary of $139,440 - $235,308 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.\r\nBackground check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.\r\nWork modality: Work may be performed on-site, hybrid, full-time telework. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States.\r\nRelocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.\r\nWork authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.\r\nWant to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov\r\nEqual Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.\r\nBerkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.\r\nMisconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.\r\nJ-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Lawrence Berkeley Lab","rawCompany":"lawrence berkeley lab","city":"Millbrae","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-04-09T09:34:57.706Z","occupations":[{"code":"15-1241.00","title":"Computer Network Architects","slug":"computer-network-architects"},{"code":"15-1241.01","title":"Telecommunications Engineering Specialists","slug":"telecommunications-engineering-specialists"},{"code":"17-2199.07","title":"Photonics Engineers","slug":"photonics-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"},{"code":"541330","title":"Engineering Services","slug":"engineering-services"},{"code":"541690","title":"Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services","slug":"other-scientific-and-technical-consulting-services"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Optical Engineer","description":"Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) Division has an immediate opening for an Optical Engineer to join our team.\r\nIn this role, you will serve as a senior optical network engineer within ESnet's Network Services group, with primary responsibility to apply a wide-range of expertise to the design, deployment, and operation of ESnet's international DWDM optical transport infrastructure, tightly integrated with ESnet's IP/MPLS backbone and science services. The position requires strong working knowledge of advanced routing protocols, such as BGP, IS-IS, Segment Routing and IP network services, as well as the ability to perform general network connectivity troubleshooting and end-to-end problem resolution across optical, IP, and application layers in a large-scale production environment. You will work closely with ESnet engineers, operations teams, scientific user sites, Regional Optical Networks (RONs), international partners, vendors, and carriers to deliver reliable, high-performance transport services that support mission-critical science.\r\nThe Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) provides high-bandwidth, highly reliable networking that enables scientists at national laboratories, universities, and research institutions to collaborate on some of the world's most important scientific challenges, including energy, climate science, and fundamental physics. Funded by the DOE Office of Science and operated by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, ESnet connects scientists to unique DOE facilities, large-scale computing resources, and global research partners.\r\nThe position involves significant technical ownership, project leadership, and cross-organizational collaboration.\r\nWhat We Offer\r\nCompetitive salary and benefits\r\nOpportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with experienced professionals\r\nProfessional development and growth opportunities, including training and certification programs\r\nFlexible work arrangements, including remote work options\r\nYou will\r\nDesign, deploy, and operate large-scale DWDM optical transport systems, including link engineering, loss budgets, OSNR analysis, amplifier planning, and ROADM architectures.\r\nCommission and maintain optical systems using industry best practices, including OTDR analysis, fiber characterization, and performance validation.\r\nAct as a technical authority for ESnet transport platforms, providing expert guidance on system behavior, limitations, and optimization.\r\nIntegrate optical transport systems with ESnet's IP/MPLS backbone and advanced network services.\r\nProvide escalation support for optical-related incidents and participate in an on-call rotation in support of 24×7 operations.\r\nTroubleshoot complex, end-to-end network issues spanning optical, IP, and application layers across multiple administrative domains.\r\nLead transport-related projects from concept through deployment, including scope definition, scheduling, vendor coordination, and implementation.\r\nDevelop optical designs, capacity plans, and cost estimates to support infrastructure planning and procurement.\r\nEvaluate new transport technologies, platforms, and features; contribute to ESnet's optical technology roadmap.\r\nMaintain accurate technical documentation, designs, and operational procedures.\r\nNetwork with key contacts outside own area of expertise.\r\nDetermine methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel.\r\nExercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.\r\nCollaborate closely with internal stakeholders including routing, operations, science engagement, software engineering, and business operations teams.\r\nCoordinate with external partners such as vendors, carriers, and R&E peers to provision, modify, and optimize network services.\r\nProvide technical mentoring and guidance to less-experienced engineers and contribute to the development of operational processes and training materials.\r\nAdditional Responsibilities as needed\r\nExposure to or experience supporting long-haul and subsea fiber systems, including collaboration with providers on spectrum availability, wet-plant capabilities, and system constraints.\r\nExperience working with international or inter-domain optical systems and partners.\r\nFamiliarity with large-scale capacity planning across heterogeneous optical infrastructures.\r\nWe are looking for\r\nBachelor'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.\r\nDemonstrated experience designing, deploying, and operating DWDM optical networks in production environments.\r\nStrong understanding of WAN and LAN technologies and protocols, including IPv4/IPv6, BGP, IS-IS, MPLS, Segment Routing, and related services.\r\nExperience leading technical projects, including defining scope, schedules, and budgets, and delivering results on time.\r\nHands-on experience with optical transport platforms from vendors such as Ciena and Nokia (Infinera)\r\nExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative, service-oriented mindset.\r\nExperience working in environments that use IT service management and project tracking tools (e.g., Jira, ServiceNow).\r\nExperience with, or interest in, Research and Education (R&E) networking and DOE Office of Science programs is highly desirable.\r\nProficiency in optical system installation, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting in large-scale networks.\r\nAbility to conduct and interpret network diagnostic tests using optical and IP test equipment.\r\nProven ability to write clear, accurate technical documentation, designs, and operational procedures.\r\nFamiliarity with automation, orchestration, or software-assisted network operations is a plus.\r\nProven ability to work independently on complex projects while contributing effectively within a team.\r\nDemonstrated commitment to documentation, operational excellence, and continuous learning.\r\nWillingness to travel occasionally for installations, upgrades, and strategic planning activities.\r\nAdditional information\r\nAppointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.\r\nSalary range: The expected salary for this position is $156,864 - $191,724, which fits into the full salary of $139,440 - $235,308 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.\r\nBackground check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.\r\nWork modality: Work may be performed on-site, hybrid, full-time telework. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States.\r\nRelocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.\r\nWork authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.\r\nWant to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov\r\nEqual Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.\r\nBerkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.\r\nMisconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.\r\nJ-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-04-09T09:34:57.706Z","dateModified":"2026-04-09T09:34:57.706Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Lawrence Berkeley Lab","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Millbrae","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"0be8fe7d25fd11c850f056ea"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/0be8fe7d25fd11c850f056ea"}}