Optical Network Engineer at Microsoft

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Optical Network Engineer
Company: Microsoft
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Infrastructure & Networking
Date Posted: 2025-06-24

🚀 Role Summary

Develop and operate optical networking solutions using existing and new optical fiber technologies, including Hollow Core Fiber (HCF), at Microsoft's Azure Fiber team.
Collaborate with a global team to create a robust operations strategy and develop automation platforms to ensure high availability and meet capacity demands driven by AI advancements.
Empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more by ensuring seamless, secure, and reliable connectivity to all Microsoft services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for Microsoft's mission to empower every person and organization, as it focuses on the design, buildout, and operations of the Global Optical Network, which is the lifeline of connectivity for Azure and other Microsoft services.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Network Deployment & Operations: Deploy and manage optical networking solutions using existing and new optical fiber technologies, ensuring high availability and performance.
Global Operations Strategy: Collaborate with a global team to develop a comprehensive operations strategy that meets the capacity demands driven by AI advancements.
Automation Platform Development: Create automation platforms to streamline network operations and improve efficiency.
Capacity Management: Monitor and manage network capacity to ensure it meets the growing demands of Microsoft's services and AI advancements.
Problem Solving: Troubleshoot and resolve network issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and implement solutions.
Collaboration & Innovation: Work alongside some of the brightest engineers to innovate and empower others, fostering a growth mindset and culture of inclusion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation to ensure a highly available network that meets the capacity demands driven by AI advancements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, with a focus on telecommunications or networking.

Experience: Proven experience in optical networking, with a strong background in network operations and deployment. Familiarity with Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) and cable is a plus.

Required Skills:

Optical networking and fiber optics
Network operations and deployment
Automation and scripting (e.g., Python, Bash)
Collaboration and teamwork
Problem-solving and troubleshooting
Global strategy development and execution
High availability and capacity management
Familiarity with AI and its network demands

Preferred Skills:

Experience with Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) and cable
Knowledge of network virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN/NFV)
Familiarity with Microsoft Azure and its services
Experience with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., NetFlow, sFlow, IPFIX)
Strong communication and presentation skills

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a unique blend of technical skills, including optical networking, automation, and global strategy development, as well as strong collaboration and problem-solving abilities.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate your experience in optical networking and network operations through relevant projects and case studies.
Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve network issues.
Showcase your experience with automation and scripting, and how you've used these skills to improve network efficiency and performance.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed documentation of your network deployment and operations processes, including any automation scripts or platforms you've developed.
Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage network capacity and ensure high availability, with a focus on meeting the demands of AI advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not web development-specific, a strong portfolio demonstrating your technical skills and problem-solving abilities will be essential for success in this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in Dublin, Ireland, is approximately €55,000 - €75,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. This estimate is derived from regional market data and Microsoft's compensation structure for similar roles.

Benefits:

Competitive salary and benefits package
Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
Retirement savings plan with company match
Generous time off and flexible work arrangements
Employee stock purchase plan
Professional development opportunities and career growth

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Occasional on-call duties may be required to support 24/7 network operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary and benefits information are based on regional market data and Microsoft's compensation structure for similar roles. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and other factors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Microsoft operates in the technology industry, with a focus on empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more through its products and services, including Azure, Teams, Xbox, Office, Bing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Company Size: Microsoft is a large, multinational corporation with over 180,000 employees worldwide. This size provides ample opportunities for collaboration, growth, and innovation.

Founded: Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Today, it is led by CEO Satya Nadella and continues to be a leader in the technology industry.

Team Structure: The Azure Fiber team is part of Microsoft's Azure division, focusing on the design, buildout, and operations of the Global Optical Network. The team consists of optical network engineers, network operations specialists, and other technical professionals who collaborate to ensure seamless, secure, and reliable connectivity to all Microsoft services.

Development Methodology: Microsoft follows an Agile development methodology, with a focus on continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer value. The Azure Fiber team uses this methodology to develop and operate the Global Optical Network, ensuring it meets the growing demands of Microsoft's services and AI advancements.

Company Website: Microsoft

📝 Enhancement Note: Microsoft's focus on empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more is reflected in the Azure Fiber team's mission to ensure seamless, secure, and reliable connectivity to all Microsoft services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is focused on infrastructure and networking, rather than web technology. However, it plays a critical role in ensuring the high availability and performance of Microsoft's web services, including Azure, Teams, Xbox, Office, Bing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Reporting Structure: The Optical Network Engineer role reports directly to the Azure Fiber team's management structure, collaborating with other network engineers, operations specialists, and cross-functional teams to ensure the Global Optical Network meets the capacity demands driven by AI advancements.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the technical aspects of Microsoft's web services, as it is responsible for the design, buildout, and operations of the Global Optical Network. Ensuring high availability and performance is crucial for the success of Microsoft's products and services.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Deepen your expertise in optical networking, automation, and capacity management to become a technical specialist within the Azure Fiber team.
Team Leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership skills and take on a management role within the Azure Fiber team, overseeing other network engineers and operations specialists.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other teams within Microsoft, such as Azure, Teams, Xbox, Office, Bing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT, to gain a broader understanding of the company's products and services and contribute to their success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within Microsoft's Azure Fiber team and the broader organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Microsoft's Dublin office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity. The Azure Fiber team works in an open-plan office with ample space for collaboration and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Microsoft's Dublin office is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to public transportation and amenities. The office is also close to the River Liffey and Dublin's vibrant Temple Bar district.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The Azure Fiber team works closely together to develop and operate the Global Optical Network, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Specialized Tools & Equipment: The team uses specialized tools and equipment to design, deploy, and manage the optical network, including network management software, automation platforms, and testing devices.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Azure Fiber team works closely with other teams within Microsoft, such as Azure, Teams, Xbox, Office, Bing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT, to ensure the Global Optical Network meets the capacity demands driven by AI advancements.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with standard working hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Occasional on-call duties may be required to support 24/7 network operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Microsoft's Dublin office provides a modern, collaborative workspace that fosters innovation and creativity, with ample opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and growth.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience and qualifications for the role, as well as your interest in Microsoft and the Azure Fiber team.
Technical Deep Dive: A technical interview focused on your experience in optical networking, network operations, and automation. Be prepared to discuss your approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation.
Behavioral Interview: An interview focused on your problem-solving skills, collaboration abilities, and cultural fit within the Azure Fiber team and Microsoft.
Final Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager to discuss your fit for the role and the team, as well as any remaining questions you may have.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in optical networking and network operations through relevant projects and case studies.
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve network issues.
Showcase your experience with automation and scripting, and how you've used these skills to improve network efficiency and performance.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your optical networking and fiber optics knowledge, with a focus on Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) and cable.
Familiarize yourself with Microsoft's products and services, including Azure, Teams, Xbox, Office, Bing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT, and understand how the Global Optical Network supports their success.
Prepare for questions about your approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation, and be ready to discuss your experience with automation and capacity management.

ATS Keywords: Optical Networking, Hollow Core Fiber, Automation, Network Operations, Collaboration, Global Strategy, High Availability, Capacity Management, AI Integration, Infrastructure Design, Network Deployment, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Innovation, Growth Mindset, Integrity

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the Azure Fiber team and Microsoft. A strong portfolio demonstrating your experience in optical networking, network operations, and automation will be essential for success in this role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Optical Networking Technologies:

Hollow Core Fiber (HCF)
Optical Cable
Optical Network Equipment (e.g., routers, switches, multiplexers)
Optical Network Management Software (e.g., OSS, NMS)

Automation & Scripting Languages:

Python
Bash
PowerShell

Network Management Tools:

NetFlow
sFlow
IPFIX

Microsoft Products & Services:

Azure
Teams
Xbox
Office
Bing
OpenAI's ChatGPT

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is focused on optical networking and network operations, rather than web technology. However, a strong understanding of Microsoft's products and services, including Azure, Teams, Xbox, Office, Bing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT, is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Microsoft Values:

Customer Obsessed: We put customers first, listening to their feedback and continuously improving our products and services to meet their needs.
One Microsoft: We work together as one team, collaborating across functions and geographies to achieve our goals.
Growth Mindset: We embrace a growth mindset, learning from our mistakes and continuously seeking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Inclusive: We foster an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, valuing diversity and promoting a sense of belonging.
One Microsoft: We work together as one team, collaborating across functions and geographies to achieve our goals.
Customer Obsessed: We put customers first, listening to their feedback and continuously improving our products and services to meet their needs.
Growth Mindset: We embrace a growth mindset, learning from our mistakes and continuously seeking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Inclusive: We foster an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, valuing diversity and promoting a sense of belonging.

Azure Fiber Team Values:

Empowerment: We empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more through seamless, secure, and reliable connectivity to all Microsoft services.
Collaboration: We work together as a global team, sharing knowledge and expertise to develop and operate the Global Optical Network.
Innovation: We embrace a growth mindset, continuously seeking new opportunities for innovation and improvement in optical networking and network operations.
Integrity: We act with integrity, ensuring high availability and performance in the Global Optical Network and meeting the capacity demands driven by AI advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Microsoft's values, including customer obsession, growth mindset, and inclusivity, are reflected in the Azure Fiber team's mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more through seamless, secure, and reliable connectivity to all Microsoft services.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Capacity Management: Ensure the Global Optical Network meets the growing demands of Microsoft's services and AI advancements, requiring a strong focus on capacity planning, management, and optimization.
Global Operations: Collaborate with a global team to develop and execute a comprehensive operations strategy, ensuring high availability and performance in the Global Optical Network.
Automation & Innovation: Continuously seek new opportunities for automation and innovation in optical networking and network operations, improving efficiency and performance in the Global Optical Network.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Participate in technical training and development opportunities to deepen your expertise in optical networking, automation, and capacity management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other teams within Microsoft, such as Azure, Teams, Xbox, Office, Bing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT, to gain a broader understanding of the company's products and services and contribute to their success.
Leadership Development: Demonstrate strong leadership skills and take on a management role within the Azure Fiber team, overseeing other network engineers and operations specialists.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Azure Fiber team faces significant technical challenges in ensuring high availability and performance in the Global Optical Network, as well as opportunities for growth and development in optical networking, automation, and capacity management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Optical Networking: Describe your experience with optical networking and fiber optics, with a focus on Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) and cable.
Network Operations: Discuss your approach to network operations and deployment, including your experience with automation and scripting (e.g., Python, Bash).
Capacity Management: Explain your approach to capacity management, including your experience with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., NetFlow, sFlow, IPFIX).
Problem Solving: Describe a challenging network issue you've faced in the past and how you resolved it, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Company & Culture Questions:

Microsoft Values: How do you embody Microsoft's values, including customer obsession, growth mindset, and inclusivity, in your work?
Azure Fiber Team: What attracts you to the Azure Fiber team, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more through seamless, secure, and reliable connectivity to all Microsoft services?
Global Collaboration: How do you approach working with a global team, and what experiences do you have working with teams across different time zones and cultures?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Case Studies: Prepare case studies that demonstrate your experience in optical networking, network operations, and automation, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss your approach to optical networking, network operations, and automation in detail, including any relevant tools, technologies, or methodologies you've used in the past.
Microsoft Products & Services: Familiarize yourself with Microsoft's products and services, including Azure, Teams, Xbox, Office, Bing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT, and understand how the Global Optical Network supports their success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the Azure Fiber team and Microsoft. A strong portfolio demonstrating your experience in optical networking, network operations, and automation will be essential for success in this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Optical Network Engineer position at Microsoft:

Submit Your Application: Click on the "Apply Now" button on the job listing to submit your application through the Microsoft careers website.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your experience in optical networking, network operations, and automation, as well as your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Prepare a portfolio that demonstrates your experience in optical networking, network operations, and automation, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. Include case studies that showcase your ability to manage network capacity and ensure high availability, with a focus on meeting the demands of AI advancements.
Research Microsoft & The Azure Fiber Team: Familiarize yourself with Microsoft's products and services, including Azure, Teams, Xbox, Office, Bing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT, and understand how the Global Optical Network supports their success. Learn about Microsoft's values, including customer obsession, growth mindset, and inclusivity, and consider how you can embody these values in your work.
Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Brush up on your optical networking and fiber optics knowledge, with a focus on Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) and cable. Familiarize yourself with Microsoft's products and services, and prepare for questions about your approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. Be ready to discuss your experience with automation and capacity management.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions about optical networking and network operations. All details should be verified directly with Microsoft's hiring organization before making application decisions.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Optical Networking & Infrastructure Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to optical networking and infrastructure roles, emphasizing the design, buildout, and operations of the Global Optical Network.
Include optical networking technologies, fiber optics, and network management software in the technology stack and web infrastructure sections.
Address global strategy development, capacity management, and high availability in the primary responsibilities and challenges & growth opportunities sections.
Emphasize automation, scripting, and problem-solving skills in the skills & qualifications and interview preparation sections.

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections - each section must contain unique information.
Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about optical networking processes, network configuration, or team structure.
Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text.
Strategically distribute optical networking and infrastructure-related keywords throughout all sections naturally.
Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and optical networking specialization.

Industry Expertise:

Include specific optical networking technologies, fiber optics, and network management software relevant to the role.
Address optical networking career progression paths and technical leadership opportunities in network operations and management.
Provide tactical advice for portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies focused on optical networking and infrastructure.
Include optical networking-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance.
Emphasize network capacity management, high availability, and global strategy development in the role analysis and challenges & growth opportunities sections.

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout.
Use optical networking and infrastructure industry terminology appropriately and accurately.
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to optical networking and infrastructure professionals.
Provide actionable insights that give optical networking and infrastructure candidates a competitive advantage.
Focus on optical networking team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and global strategy development in the team culture & values and work environment sections.

Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis:

Emphasize optical networking best practices, fiber optics principles, and network management software in the primary responsibilities and skills & qualifications sections.
Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to the optical networking discipline and role level, with a focus on network deployment, operations, and capacity management.
Address global strategy development, high availability, and network performance optimization in the challenges & growth opportunities section.
Focus on problem-solving methods, network performance optimization, and scalable infrastructure design in the interview preparation section.

Avoid:

Generic business jargon not relevant to optical networking or infrastructure roles.
Placeholder text or incomplete sections.
Repetitive content across different sections.
Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific optical networking or infrastructure role.
Marketing language unrelated to optical networking, network operations, or infrastructure.

Generate comprehensive, optical networking-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for optical networking and infrastructure professionals evaluating career opportunities and preparing for technical interviews in the optical networking industry.

Optical Network Engineer