**Job Description:** The Optical Engineer will evaluate optical platform supplier's technology, recommend long term platform evolution, write detailed plans describing functionality and interworking needed, and partner with suppliers to ensure products meet AT&T’s future network needs. **KEY ROLE:** + The position will track important developments and new technologies among optical system integrators, component, and sub-system suppliers, with specific focus on pluggable modules (client or lineside), 400G and above rates, silicon photonics, DSP, flexible ROADMs, and advances in optical fibers. + In addition, the Optical Engineer will collaborate with a cross-organizational team and suppliers to define and develop feature requirements for AT&T’s next-generation flexible, SDN-controlled optical transport networks and work with Layer-2 and Layer-3 partners to support their current and future services over the Layer-1 ROADM networks. **DEMONSTRATED** **KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:** + Network architecture, ethernet, routing protocols, and systems architecture. + Packet-optical technology, software-defined networks (SDNs), YANG models and APIs, and network cost optimization. + Pluggable modules (client and lineside), digital coherent detection and digital signal processing, silicon photonics, and flexible ROADMs. + Architecture, Maintenance, Management, Services and Process Flows. + Optical networking equipment (e.g. Cisco, Nokia, Juniper, Fujitsu, Ciena). + Cross-functional teamwork towards development of requirements and use cases in support of Metro & Core SDN Infrastructure and Services. + Solving complex engineering problems. + Business acumen and aptitude to understand the key business drivers. **EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:** + PhD in an approved STEM field (e.g. Electrical Engineering, Physics) with no minimum years of relevant experience or Masters in an approved STEM field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelors in an approved STEM field with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience. Our Lead Member of Technical Staff earn between $171,600.00 - $257,400.00 USD Annual, USD annually. _Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education/training._ **Joining our team comes with amazing perks and benefits:** + Medical/Dental/Vision coverage + 401(k) plan + Tuition reimbursement program + Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays) + Paid Parental Leave + Paid Caregiver Leave + Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected + Adoption Reimbursement + Disability Benefits (short term and long term) + Life and Accidental Death Insurance + Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal + Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) + Extensive employee wellness programs + Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phone A career with us, a global leader in communications and technology, comes with big rewards. As part of our team, you’ll lead transformation surrounded by trailblazing industry leaders like you. You’ll be empowered to go above and beyond – making a difference through company-sponsored initiatives or connecting and networking through one of our many employee groups. And regardless of where you’re at in your career trajectory, you’ll be rewarded by the impact that comes with making a difference in the lives of millions. With AT&T, you’ll be a part of something greater, do incredible things and be rewarded with a chance to change the world. **Environmental Requirements:** This position may be responsible for contributing to AT&T compliance with environmental laws and regulations as applicable to its job function. This may include, but is not limited to, work related to fuel tanks, emergency and stand-by generators, boilers, hazardous waste, hazardous materials, batteries, manholes and vaults, water wells, linear and other construction projects, water discharge, or air emissions. **Weekly Hours:** 40 **Time Type:** Regular **Location:** USA:NJ:Middletown / S Laurel Ave - Bldg A:200 S Laurel Ave Bldg A **Salary Range:** $171,600.00 - $257,400.00 It is the policy of AT&T to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, AT&T will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. AT&T will consider for employment qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of federal, state and local laws We expect employees to be honest, trustworthy, and operate with integrity. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment (including sexual harassment) in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment status