This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13779757 Job#: 3053752 Job Description: - Optical Network Engineer - 100% on site at Scott AFB in Illinois **W2 ONLY- NO C2C OR PERSONAL LLCs** Apex Systems has an immediate need for an Optical Network Engineer for a large government client of ours!! Please see the role overview below and apply here if interested! **Requirements**: - 7+ years of Network Engineering experience - Experience with Ethernet and Optical - Active Secret clearance Title: Network Engineer Location(s): 100% on site on Scott AFB, IL Duration: Direct hire/permanent Salary Range: \$130,000 - \$150,000 annually (10-15% bonus potential annually) Job Description: In this highly technical role, you will take the lead in designing, coordinating, and executing test plans to ensure seamless implementation and interoperability of products within the customers legacy network. Additionally, you will serve as the local subject matter expert (SME), contributing to standards development, interpreting customer requirements, and guiding network modernization efforts. You will report to the Senior Manager while working closely with the Project Manager and Sales Account Manager responsible for this customer account. How You Will Contribute: - Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to understand project requirements and provide support for network architecture design and implementation. - Develop and execute test plans to validate equipment functionality, interoperability, security, and performance based on customer requirements. - Translate test results into actionable implementation plans and provide expert engineering support during deployment, including Layer-0, Layer-1, and Layer-2 (Layer-3 experience is a plus). - Support pre-commissioning activities in customer labs or staging facilities - Support greenfield network implementation by commissioning equipment, optimizing span/channel parameters, and ensuring seamless deployment. - Perform basic electrical tasks and determine when specialized contractors are required. - Provide customer guidance and operational training on Network Management Systems (NMS), including tasks such as: - Enrolling network elements. - Creating device profiles. - Configuring backups. - Provisioning services. - Escalate and resolve issues with Ciena platforms in accordance with Ciena procedures. - Collaborate with customer and internal technical teams to analyze optical performance and escalate anomalies to appropriate stakeholders. - Deliver accurate documentation for configuration, provisioning, and testing results as part of project deliverables. {=html} <!-- --> - Strong understanding of: - SONET, DWDM, ROADM/nOADM architecture, and provisioning/implementation. - Ethernet architecture, provisioning, and implementation. - IP/MPLS/L3 protocols, including MPLS-TP. - Familiarity with Network Management Systems (NMS), including Ciena MCP/Navigator. - Ability to work in a lab environment. Read/follow network diagrams, cabling guides, signal flow diagrams. - A diverse Telecommunications background, strong hands-on technical experience, organizational and interpersonal skills. - Willingness to assist team members with other projects as required. #cleared #clearance EEO Employer Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic inf rmation, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as