Lead Optical Network Engineer (CIENA/DWDM)

About Peoplebank
Peoplebank, part of RGF Staffing ANZ, is a leading talent solutions provider. We place the brightest IT & digital professionals into some of the region’s top employers. We are expert recruiters who have been placing IT & digital specialists with some of the most dynamic and recognised organisations in the Asia Pacific region for over 34 years.

About the Role
Our Federal Government client is seeking a Lead Optical Network Engineer (CIENA/DWDM). This is a 12-month contract with 2 x 12-month extension options, located onsite at our client's Canberra office (5 days per week).

As the selected candidate, you will:

• Install, configure and support network, server and associated ICT infrastructure within secure enterprise data centres.
• Engineer, operate and maintain CIENA optical transport networks, including DWDM-based Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) solutions.
• Install, terminate and test fibre optic and copper cabling, including rack preparation and structured cabling activities.
• Support the ongoing operation and maintenance of mission-critical data centre and optical network infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot, resolve and optimise optical transport and network infrastructure performance.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including implementation guides, build documentation and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, telecommunications carriers and external vendors to deliver infrastructure solutions.
• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with organisational standards, operational procedures and safety requirements.

To be successful in this role you should have:

• Minimum 5+ years' experience engineering, operating and supporting CIENA optical transport networks, including DWDM-based Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) solutions.
• Strong understanding of optical network architecture, design, provisioning, testing, optimisation and operational support.
• Proven experience deploying and managing optical network infrastructure within enterprise or data centre environments.
• Hands-on experience with fibre optic infrastructure, carrier lead-in services and end-to-end service commissioning.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across optical transport and network infrastructure.
• Current Australian Government NV1 Security Clearance, or the ability and willingness to obtain and maintain one.

It is desirable if you have:

• Experience producing technical documentation including High-Level Designs (HLD), Low-Level Designs (LLD), build guides and operational procedures.
• Experience working within Federal Government or large enterprise environments, particularly secure or multi-site network infrastructures.
• Hands-on data centre operations experience including rack installation, structured cabling and hardware lifecycle management.
• Experience coordinating with telecommunications carriers for circuit provisioning, service delivery and fault resolution.

Due to security clearance requirements for this role, candidates must be Australian Citizens and hold, or be eligible to obtain, an NV1/NV2 Security Clearance.

Benefits of being a Peoplebank candidate

• Personalised Attention: You'll be assigned a dedicated Account Manager to support your unique needs.
• User-Friendly Services and Ongoing Support: Easy online timesheet lodgement, plus full access to contractor care, payroll and admin support throughout your contract.
• Choice and Flexibility: A wide variety of contracting options tailored to your preferences and circumstances.
• Industry-Leading Payroll Services: Enjoy the reliability of accurate, on-time weekly payments.
• Contractor Satisfaction Focus: Our goal is to be your top choice for IT contracting and permanent roles—with your success at the centre of everything we do.

Apply now for immediate consideration – contact Mariz Arroyo at Mariz.Arroyo@peoplebank.com.au quoting Job Reference: # 271542.

Applications close: 3 August 2026

Please note: Only candidates who meet the above criteria will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in the position.


Peoplebank and Leaders IT are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. If you need adjustments to the recruitment process due to your circumstances, please let us know—we’re here to support you.