Manager, Design Engineering - Optical

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Manager, Design Engineering – Optical based in the United States. We are seeking an experienced optical network engineering leader to oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of high-capacity optical transport networks across the United States and Canada. In this role, you will lead a team of Optical Design Engineers responsible for network capacity planning, capital allocation, circuit design, and the delivery of advanced Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) services. You will collaborate with project managers, network architects, field operations, and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure projects meet technical specifications, customer commitments, and delivery deadlines. Your expertise in optical systems, signal flow, and network architecture will be essential to maintaining network reliability and supporting future growth. You will also drive engineering standards, team development, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement across the design function. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically accomplished leader to make a direct impact on critical telecommunications infrastructure in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Optical Design Engineers, ensuring high-quality engineering deliverables, effective workload management, and achievement of monthly, quarterly, and annual performance targets. Oversee the planning, design, documentation, capacity fulfillment, and implementation of DWDM optical networks throughout the United States and Canada. Direct the design and delivery of optical transport services, including network builds, capacity augmentations, network grooming, and core circuit implementations. Ensure network designs comply with established architecture standards, optical power requirements, signal flow specifications, and anticipated network and customer growth. Manage engineering priorities and customer commitments by tracking project milestones, deadlines, and order progress within Salesforce or equivalent systems. Communicate project updates, delivery risks, and technical issues to order management teams, project managers, and other internal stakeholders to support timely execution. Collaborate with Project Managers, Design Engineers, Implementation Engineers, and Network Architects to resolve technical challenges and maintain progress on capacity projects. Review capacity requests for technical accuracy and completeness, clarify design requirements with the relevant teams, and ensure circuit designs meet identified transport and facility requirements. Support field operations in troubleshooting provisioning issues by reviewing technical information, identifying potential problems, and coordinating effective resolutions. Assist partner teams and network control or coordination centers with customer escalations, network incidents, and other operational challenges as required. Develop, maintain, and improve engineering standards, procedures, and workflows to promote consistency, efficiency, and high-quality network design. Identify critical issues, overcome project roadblocks, and reprioritize workloads as needed to meet strict delivery schedules and evolving business requirements. Establish cross-training initiatives, identify team development needs, and provide technical guidance and training to strengthen engineering capabilities. Participate in operational and engineering improvement projects, remain informed about emerging optical technologies, and support the adoption of effective network solutions. Maintain the confidentiality and security of sensitive information accessed while performing job responsibilities. Requirements Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent education, training, and relevant professional experience. At least seven years of experience in telecommunications, optical networking, or data networking environments. At least two years of experience in telecommunications project management or as a lead engineer, with demonstrated technical leadership and project delivery capabilities. Strong technical knowledge of DWDM optical networks, including signal flow, optical power requirements, network capacity planning, circuit design, network builds, augmentations, and grooming. Working knowledge of optical system design across fixed-grid and flex-grid networks, including Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) technology and spectrum allocation. Familiarity with a range of optical networking platforms, preferably including Fujitsu, Adva, Ciena 6500 and RLS, Cisco, Infinera DTNx and FlexILS, and Nokia 1830. Experience with network design, capacity planning, and circuit implementation, with the ability to interpret technical requirements and develop solutions aligned with network architecture standards. Proficiency with project tracking, order management, and workflow tools such as Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Sitetracker, or equivalent platforms. Familiarity with telecommunications inventory management systems, such as MetaSolv or Netcracker, is an advantage. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace applications, particularly Visio and Excel or their equivalents, as well as relevant project management software. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to gather and interpret technical data, identify root causes, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound engineering solutions. Proven ability to lead teams, coordinate cross-functional projects, and manage multiple competing priorities while meeting strict and sometimes unpredictable deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues clearly, provide project updates, and resolve customer or stakeholder conflicts professionally. Demonstrated initiative, accountability, organizational skills, and adaptability in a dynamic operational environment. Ability to work collaboratively with internal customers, engineering teams, project managers, and field operations while maintaining a strong focus on service quality and delivery commitments. Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment-based visa sponsorship. Benefits Competitive annual base salary: Estimated range of $84,900 to $130,600, depending on geographic location, experience, technical skills, certifications, and other relevant factors. Performance incentives: Potential eligibility for a discretionary annual incentive plan, subject to applicable program terms. Health insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage options designed to support employee health and well-being. Dental and vision coverage: Insurance benefits to help cover dental care and vision needs. Retirement savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement savings plan. Paid time off: A generous paid leave policy to support personal commitments and work-life balance. Paid parental leave: Support for employees and their families during important life events. Disability and life insurance: Potential access to disability coverage and life insurance benefits, subject to applicable plan terms. Remote work arrangement: U.S.-based remote position offering flexibility while collaborating with teams across multiple locations. Technical leadership opportunities: The chance to lead a specialized engineering team and influence the design and implementation of large-scale optical network infrastructure. Professional development: Opportunities to expand technical expertise, develop leadership capabilities, and stay current with evolving telecommunications technologies. Collaborative work environment: Work alongside engineering, operations, and project management professionals on mission-critical connectivity solutions.