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Optical Network Planning Engineer with Security Clearance

By Light Professional IT ServicesFort Meade, MD🇺🇸United StatesPosted 18 Aug 2026

Why This Role Stands Out

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a major Department of Defense initiative, developing critical optical network infrastructure and advancing your skills in advanced transport technologies. If you are a mid-senior level engineer with experience in optical transport and a knack for strategic planning, you'll thrive in this hybrid position supporting global connectivity. Apply today to make a significant impact within a reputable organization.

Quick Overview

Seniority
Mid Senior
Work mode
Hybrid
Location
Fort Meade, MD, United States
Posted
3 weeks ago

Job Description

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. Position Overview By Light Professional IT Services is seeking an Optical Network Technology Planning Engineer to join our DISA team at Ft Meade, MD. This is an exciting key position to a major Department of Defense initiative.

The candidate will work all aspects of optical network equipment planning for the DOD's global optical transport network. The candidate will work to develop hardware (Major Bill of Material) deployment plans including system configurations, routing of the 10/100/400G circuits over the network, providing plans to operations of the circuits in "Wavelength Plan format" to meet service requirements. The candidate will support the DISA operations during the implementation of the hardware and services. Responsibilities

  • Based on the direction from government assess the service requirements and strategic technology requirements to develop deployment plans that include hardware requirements, transition plans and capturing the service routing in Wavelength Plan for implementation.
  • Provide in-depth engineering analysis, deployment, and transition plans of transport level equipment in support of government strategic modernization efforts.
  • Interface with DISA operations and implementation vendors in the implementation of developed deployment and Wavelength Plans. Required Experience/Qualifications
  • Minimum 2 years' experience working in the planning of transport technologies such as Optical Transport System (a.k.a. DWDM), OTN/Packet switching, L1/L2 switches, legacy SONET/SDH technologies.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in a technical or related field.
  • Familiarity with ITU-T, OIF and IETF standards. Knowledge of transport protocols such as ITU-T G.709, Layer 1/Layer 2 protocols, and Ethernet. Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Prior experience with a major Optical Manufacturer equipment a plus: Ciena, Cisco, Infinera or Nokia
  • Familiarity with QPSK, QAM is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of network management and experience with wave length planning tools such as One Planner, Transport Planner, Ciena MCP/Navigator, Blue Planet, or Cisco Optical Network Planner.
  • DoD 8570-01-M IAT Level II or higher to include one of the following: CCNA-Security, CySA+, GICSP, Security+, GSEC, SSCP, or higher level cert. Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • Active Secret Clearance

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