Optical Network Engineer - Azure Fiber at Microsoft

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Optical Network Engineer - Azure Fiber
Company: Microsoft
Location: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Infrastructure Engineer
Date Posted: 2025-06-19

🚀 Role Summary

📝 Enhancement Note: As an Optical Network Engineer in Azure Fiber, you'll play a pivotal role in Microsoft's mission to empower every person and organization by ensuring high-quality, secure, and reliable connectivity to all Microsoft services through a global optical network.
Design, build, and operate optical networking solutions using existing and new optical fiber technologies, including Hollow Core Fiber (HCF).
Collaborate with a global team to develop operational strategies and create automation platforms for day-to-day network management.
Work alongside top engineers to ensure a highly available network that meets the capacity demands driven by AI advancements.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

📝 Enhancement Note: Your primary responsibilities will revolve around deploying, operating, and maintaining optical networking solutions, while also contributing to strategic planning and automation efforts.
📝 Enhancement Note: Given the global nature of the role, you'll need to work effectively with diverse teams and adapt to different time zones and cultures.
Deploy and operate optical networking solutions using existing and new optical fiber technologies, including Hollow Core Fiber (HCF).
Collaborate with a global team to develop a global operations strategy and create automation platforms for day-to-day network operations.
Ensure high availability and capacity of the network to meet the demands driven by AI advancements.
Troubleshoot and resolve network issues, collaborating with other teams as needed.
Stay updated with the latest optical networking technologies and industry trends.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: Proven experience in optical networking, with a strong background in network operations and infrastructure management.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in optical networking, including deployment and operation of optical fiber networks.
Familiarity with Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) and other optical fiber technologies.
Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with global teams.
Experience with network automation platforms and tools.
Proficiency in network protocols and technologies, such as TCP/IP, BGP, and MPLS.
Knowledge of cloud technologies and their integration with optical networks.
Experience with network management systems and monitoring tools.
Strong problem-solving skills and a customer-focused mindset.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with AI and machine learning technologies.
Familiarity with Microsoft Azure and its services.
Knowledge of network security principles and best practices.
Experience with scripting languages, such as Python or PowerShell.
Familiarity with Agile methodologies and DevOps practices.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Include examples of optical network deployments and operations, highlighting your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Showcase your experience with automation platforms and tools, demonstrating your ability to streamline network operations.
Highlight your collaboration and communication skills through case studies or testimonials from colleagues or stakeholders.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed documentation of your optical network deployments, including network diagrams, configuration files, and troubleshooting guides.
Include any relevant certifications or training courses that demonstrate your expertise in optical networking and related technologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €60,000 - €80,000 per year (Based on market research and regional adjustments for Dublin, Ireland)

Benefits:

Competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans.
Generous vacation and leave policies.
Opportunities for professional development and career growth within Microsoft.
A dynamic and inclusive work environment that values diversity and fosters innovation.

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours, including flexibility for on-call rotations and maintenance windows as needed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, with a focus on cloud computing and AI.

Company Size: Large (200,000+ employees worldwide), with a decentralized structure that allows for diverse perspectives and innovation.

Founded: 1975, with a rich history of technological advancements and industry disruption.

Team Structure:

Collaborative, global teams consisting of engineers, operations specialists, and project managers.
Flat hierarchy with a focus on empowerment and decision-making at the local level.
Strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Development Methodology:

Agile and iterative development processes, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Regular sprint planning and stand-up meetings to ensure alignment and progress.
Strong emphasis on automation, testing, and quality assurance.

Company Website: Microsoft Careers

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with opportunities for growth and specialization in optical networking, network operations, or cloud infrastructure.

Reporting Structure: Matrix reporting structure, with both technical and functional managers providing guidance and support.

Technical Impact: Direct impact on the availability, performance, and security of Microsoft's global optical network, which underpins the company's cloud services and AI initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

Specialization in optical networking technologies, such as Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) or advanced modulation formats.
Leadership roles in network operations, project management, or technical architecture.
Opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI and machine learning projects, driving innovation in optical networking.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspaces with a focus on employee well-being and productivity.

Office Location(s): Dublin, Ireland, with opportunities for remote work and global collaboration.

Workspace Context:

State-of-the-art networking labs and testing facilities.
Access to cutting-edge hardware and software tools for optical networking and automation.
Collaborative workspaces with opportunities for knowledge sharing and mentoring.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work hours, with flexibility for on-call rotations and maintenance windows as needed. Opportunities for remote work and flexible scheduling.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Online Assessment: A technical assessment focusing on optical networking fundamentals, network protocols, and problem-solving skills.
Phone Screen: A brief conversation to discuss your experience, motivations, and cultural fit.
On-site Interview: A full-day interview consisting of:
- Technical deep dives into optical networking technologies and network operations.
- Behavioral interviews to assess your collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- A case study or project presentation to demonstrate your technical expertise and strategic thinking.
Final Decision: A final decision based on your technical competencies, cultural fit, and alignment with Microsoft's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience with optical network deployments and operations, demonstrating your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Showcase your experience with automation platforms and tools, emphasizing your ability to streamline network operations.
Include any relevant certifications or training courses that demonstrate your expertise in optical networking and related technologies.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of optical networking technologies, including Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) and other relevant standards.
Familiarize yourself with network protocols and technologies, such as TCP/IP, BGP, and MPLS.
Prepare for case studies or project presentations by demonstrating your ability to analyze complex network scenarios and develop effective solutions.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

Optical Networking: Optical Fiber, Hollow Core Fiber (HCF), Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (OADM), Optical Line Terminal (OLT), Optical Network Unit (ONU), Optical Cross-Connect (OXC)
Networking: TCP/IP, BGP, MPLS, OSPF, IS-IS, Ethernet, Switching, Routing, Network Management, Network Automation, Network Security
Cloud Technologies: Azure, AWS, GCP, Cloud Computing, Virtualization, Containerization, Microservices
Programming & Scripting: Python, PowerShell, Bash, Ansible, Terraform, Puppet, Chef
Soft Skills: Collaboration, Communication, Problem-Solving, Customer Focus, Innovation, Adaptability, Global Mindset
Industry Terms: AI, Machine Learning, IoT, 5G, Edge Computing, Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Intent-Based Networking (IBN)

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Optical Networking Technologies:

Hollow Core Fiber (HCF)
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM)
Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (OADM)
Optical Line Terminal (OLT)
Optical Network Unit (ONU)
Optical Cross-Connect (OXC)

Networking Technologies:

TCP/IP
BGP
MPLS
OSPF
IS-IS
Ethernet
Switching
Routing
Network Management
Network Automation
Network Security

Cloud Technologies:

Azure
AWS
GCP
Cloud Computing
Virtualization
Containerization
Microservices

Programming & Scripting Languages:

Python
PowerShell
Bash
Ansible
Terraform
Puppet
Chef

Network Automation Tools:

Ansible
Puppet
Chef
SaltStack
Terraform
Azure Automation
AWS CloudFormation
GCP Cloud Deployment Manager

Network Monitoring Tools:

Nagios
Zabbix
Prometheus
Grafana
Datadog
New Relic
SolarWinds
Microsoft System Center Operations Manager (SCOM)

Network Security Tools:

Firewalls (Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto)
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems
Encryption tools (SSL/TLS, IPsec, etc.)

👥 Team Culture & Values

Microsoft Values:

Customer Obsessed
One Microsoft
Growth Mindset
Innovation
Diversity and Inclusion
One Company, One Strategy, One Plan

Web Development Values:

Focus on user experience and accessibility.
Embrace continuous learning and innovation.
Collaborate effectively with global teams.
Prioritize high availability, performance, and security.
Foster a culture of inclusion and diversity.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional collaboration with diverse teams, including engineers, operations specialists, and project managers.
Knowledge sharing and mentoring opportunities.
Regular stand-up meetings and sprint planning sessions to ensure alignment and progress.
A focus on automation, testing, and quality assurance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Staying up-to-date with the latest optical networking technologies and industry trends.
Collaborating effectively with global teams to develop and implement global operations strategies.
Ensuring high availability and capacity of the network to meet the demands driven by AI advancements.
Troubleshooting and resolving complex network issues, often under tight deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Specialization in optical networking technologies, such as Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) or advanced modulation formats.
Leadership roles in network operations, project management, or technical architecture.
Opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI and machine learning projects, driving innovation in optical networking.
Access to Microsoft's extensive training and development resources, including online courses, workshops, and mentoring programs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Optical Networking Fundamentals: Can you explain the difference between Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) and traditional optical fiber? What are the advantages and challenges of using HCF in a global optical network?
Network Architecture: Describe a complex network architecture you've worked with in the past. How did you ensure high availability, performance, and security in that environment?
Problem-Solving: Walk us through a challenging network issue you've faced in the past. How did you diagnose and resolve the problem? What lessons did you learn from the experience?

Company & Culture Questions:

Microsoft Values: How have you demonstrated Microsoft's values in your previous roles? Can you provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to ensure a positive customer experience?
Global Collaboration: Microsoft is a global company with employees in many different time zones and cultures. How have you worked effectively with diverse teams in the past? What strategies do you use to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues in different regions?
Innovation: Microsoft is committed to driving innovation in optical networking and AI. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends? Can you describe a time when you identified a new technology or approach that had the potential to significantly improve network performance or efficiency?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight your experience with optical network deployments and operations, demonstrating your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Showcase your experience with automation platforms and tools, emphasizing your ability to streamline network operations.
Include any relevant certifications or training courses that demonstrate your expertise in optical networking and related technologies.
Prepare a case study or project presentation that demonstrates your ability to analyze complex network scenarios and develop effective solutions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Optical Network Engineer position in Azure Fiber at Microsoft:

Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with optical networking, network operations, and automation. Include relevant keywords and phrases from the job description and ATS Keywords section.
Portfolio Customization: Update your portfolio to showcase your experience with optical network deployments and operations, automation platforms, and network management. Include any relevant certifications or training courses.
Online Assessment: Complete the online technical assessment, focusing on optical networking fundamentals, network protocols, and problem-solving skills.
Phone Screen: Prepare for a brief conversation to discuss your experience, motivations, and cultural fit. Research Microsoft's values and be ready to provide examples of how you've demonstrated them in your previous roles.
On-site Interview: Prepare for a full-day interview by brushing up on your knowledge of optical networking technologies, network protocols, and cloud technologies. Familiarize yourself with Microsoft's products and services, and be ready to discuss how your experience and skills align with the company's mission and values.
Final Decision: Wait for a final decision based on your technical competencies, cultural fit, and alignment with Microsoft's values. If selected, you'll receive an offer and onboarding information.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Optical Network Engineer - Azure Fiber