Optical Transport Network Engineer

$90,000 - $330,000/Yr

Johns Hopkins - Fort Meade, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Fort Meade, MD

Educational Services

About the position

The Optical Transport Network Engineer at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) plays a crucial role in addressing national security challenges through the design and operation of large-scale transport networks. This position involves collaborating with a team of experts to provide technical expertise and analytical support, ensuring the effective performance and mission use of Optical Transport Networks (OTNs). The engineer will work in a dynamic environment, adapting to new technical directions and contributing to the modernization of critical OTNs.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and analytical support on the performance and mission use of Optical Transport Networks (OTNs).
• Provide full-time support on-site at Ft. Meade and occasionally at the APL main campus in Laurel, MD.
• Document technical work and recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Quickly adapt to new directions and technical approaches based on internal team decisions, sponsor direction, and external factors.
• Keep pace with advances in global optical networking technologies and apply those to set strategic direction to modernize critical OTNs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in information science and technology, computer science, computer engineering or another related technical field.
• At least ten years of relevant experience in the design and operation of transport networks.
• Knowledge of key network technologies including SONET, DWDM, Ethernet, and other Layer 2 and 3 protocols.
• Familiarity with network security concepts and ability to apply them to network design and operation.
• Well-versed in industry standards from organizations such as the IETF, MEF, or ITU.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively independently and in dynamic team environments.
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills with the ability to produce documentation that requires little to no rework.
• Willingness to travel domestically and occasionally internationally 10-25%.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree or higher in information science and technology, computer science, computer engineering or another related technical field.
• At least fifteen years of experience in the design and operation of optical transport networks.
• Demonstrated project leadership in design of architecture or recapitalization of global OTNs.
• Deep understanding of DoD network architectures, technologies, policies, and acquisition.
• Exposure to the development processes for one or more industry standards bodies.
• Vendor or industry certifications in the operation and management of varied vendor communications technologies.

Benefits

• Robust education assistance program
• Unparalleled retirement contributions
• Healthy work/life balance
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.