Apply on Employer Site

Altice USA · 1 month ago

Senior Optical Network Engineer

USA.NY.Bethpage-1111 Stewart

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$130K/yr - $160K/yr

5+ years exp

Altice USA's Lightpath is one of the largest competitive local exchange carriers in the tri-state area, focusing on providing cutting-edge solutions for various services. The Senior Optical Network Engineer is responsible for the deployment, implementation, maintenance, and operational reliability of the Metro and Regional Optical Transport Networks, ensuring peak performance and stability of the infrastructure.

Communications Infrastructure

Responsibilities

Execute implementation of approved Metro, Regional, and Access DWDM/ROADM builds and augmentations

Integrate and turn up optical equipment including transponders, amplifiers, ROADMs, and associated line systems

Validate power levels, OSNR, channel performance, and spectral configuration during activation

Commission Ciena 6500/RLS and other approved Lightpath optical platforms

Coordinate with Field Operations for on-site tasks and ensure work aligns with engineering standards

Serve as Tier-3 escalation for complex optical impairments, hardware failures, or service-impacting events

Troubleshoot issues such as low OSNR, span degradation, EDFA/Raman anomalies, dispersion issues, or fiber faults

Analyze OTDR traces, power measurements, OSA data, BERT results, and fiber characterization reports

Perform detailed root-cause analysis (RCA) and drive corrective/preventive actions

Support after-hours maintenance windows as a senior escalation resource

Create, refine, and enforce Method of Procedures (MOPs) for augmentations, maintenance, and migrations

Develop operational runbooks, installation guides, and troubleshooting playbooks

Ensure all work complies with Lightpath engineering standards and change management processes

Lead multi-site implementation efforts and serve as the senior technical contact across internal teams

Coordinate with Planning teams to ensure all implementation details aligned with approved design packages

Work closely with Circuit Design to support provisioning and ensure clean handoff of backbone builds

Support MPLS, IP, and Capacity Management teams with optical-related dependencies during deployments

Maintain active engagement with equipment vendors on operational defects, escalation cases, and field issues

Review and validate vendor software releases, patches, and recommended upgrade paths

Participate in lab testing, system qualification, and operational acceptance of new hardware/software

Track equipment health, running software versions, and field notices to ensure continued operational compliance

Mentor junior engineers, field technicians, and NOC personnel on optical technologies and best practices

Deliver operational training sessions on optical maintenance, troubleshooting, and platform behaviors

Participate in cross-functional knowledge sharing across Engineering, Ops, and Planning groups

Qualification

Optical transport systemsCiena 6500Optical troubleshootingTelecommunication experienceNetwork maintenanceMOPs executionNetcrackerScriptingAutomationMicrosoft OfficeProject managementCommunication skills

Required

BS degree in Engineering or Telecommunications (or equivalent experience)

5+ Years of Telecommunication experience with strong optical transport background

Extensive and demonstrated understanding of optical theory, transport technologies and the operation of optical transport systems (including SONET, SDH, DWDM (ROADM and OADM)

Knowledge and working experience with Ciena 6500 required

Solid optical troubleshooting skills using OTDR, OSA, BERT and optical power meters

Experience with field-based work in POPs, carrier hotels, data centers and Central Office environments

Hands-on experience with major optical vendor platforms (Ciena preferred)

Proven experience performing network maintenance and executing MOPs

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Streets & Trips, Visio & various operational Support Systems for internal and external presentations and complex network schematics

Familiarity with Network Management/DCN design

Experience supporting carrier, enterprise, or hyperscaler optical networks

Ability to work and learn independently

Ability to grasp abstract concepts and adapt to technology evolutions

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Strong project management skills

Strong decision making and leadership skills

Ability to build and foster collaborative relationships

Strong problem-solving skills, self-managed and the ability to multitask

Ability to influence others to meet desired goals

Excellent Documentation and Communication ability