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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

... pick and place, fiber attach, flip chip assembly, thermocompression bonding, flex circuit ... Lead and perform Failure Mode Analysis (FMA) techniques as part of process characterization and ...

... pick and place, fiber attach, flip chip assembly, thermocompression bonding, flex circuit ... Lead and perform Failure Mode Analysis (FMA) techniques as part of process characterization and ...

Lead and perform Failure Mode Analysis (FMA) techniques as part of process characterization and ... attach of fiber pig-tails, flex circuit interconnect, vacuum solder chambers, hot bar solder ...

Principal Process Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$125K - $232K/yr

Lead and perform Failure Mode Analysis (FMA) techniques as part of process characterization and ... attach of fiber pig-tails, flex circuit interconnect, vacuum solder chambers, hot bar solder ...

Signal Integrity Engineer

Yocumtown, PA · On-site

$160K/yr

... fiber optic connectors and interconnect systems, antennas, sensors and sensor-based products and ... Design, simulation, characterization, and application of high-speed electrical connectors and cable ...

Signal Integrity Engineer

Yocumtown, PA · On-site

$160K/yr

... fiber optic connectors and interconnect systems, antennas, sensors and sensor-based products and ... Design, simulation, characterization, and application of high-speed electrical connectors and cable ...

$22/hr

Fabricating electrospun polymer fiber scaffolds * Preparing samples, conducting materials ... characterization (e.g., SEM, thermal analysis, mechanical testing) * Documenting experimental ...

Lead Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Work with test engineering teams to perform characterization of silicon photonics devices * Work ... Good knowledge of fiber optic and/or wireless communication systems and applications * Good ...

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Fiber Characterization Engineer information

What does a fiber characterization engineer do?

A Fiber Characterization Engineer is responsible for testing and analyzing optical fiber networks to ensure they meet performance standards and support high-speed data transmission. They use specialized equipment to measure parameters such as attenuation, dispersion, and optical return loss. Their work helps telecom companies identify and resolve issues that could affect network quality, ensuring reliable communication services. Fiber Characterization Engineers often collaborate with network designers, installers, and maintenance teams to optimize fiber optic infrastructure.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a fiber characterization engineer?

To thrive as a Fiber Characterization Engineer, you need a solid background in optical engineering or telecommunications, with expertise in fiber optic theory, testing, and analysis, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with OTDR, CD, PMD, and other fiber testing instruments, as well as certifications like FOA or CFCE, are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers interpret complex data and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure accurate fiber network assessments, optimize performance, and minimize costly errors in deployment and maintenance.

What is the difference between Fiber Characterization Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectFiber Characterization EngineerOptical Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications in fiber optics are commonBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related fields; similar certifications often applicable
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departments focusing on fiber propertiesTesting labs, production lines, quality assurance departments for optical components
Industry UsagePrimarily in fiber optics manufacturing, telecommunications, and researchIn telecommunications, fiber optic component manufacturing, and quality control

The Fiber Characterization Engineer focuses on analyzing and testing fiber optic materials to understand their properties, while the Optical Test Engineer concentrates on testing optical devices and systems for performance and quality. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ in their specific focus areas within the optical industry.

What are popular job titles related to Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Part-Time Fiber-Optic Applications Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University

State College, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 619 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) for the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking a Senior, Part-Time, Fiber-Optic Applications Research and Development Engineer. You would join a team advancing the state of the art in multiple areas of optical system development and manufacturing technology improvements, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position works out of ARL's Freeport, PA location.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Perform research and development tasks in fiber-optical applications. These include system-based analysis tasks as well as prototype development and testing.
  • Communicate and document results in reports and presentations
  • Assist with development of proposals for projects
  • Assist in new concept development; analyzing alternatives independently and applying engineering techniques and procedures to assignments
  • Lead fiber-optic-related projects of small or moderate size and scope, making substantial contributions
  • Engage with government customers to identify opportunities and provide potential solutions that lead to funded projects

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
  • Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches
  • Devise, plan, and lead projects on extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or addresses broad design issues of future products or technologies
  • Propose and lead new initiatives, guide programs of national or international significance, identify future problems, research trends and opportunities, and direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation

Required Skills/Experience areas include:
  • A technical BS degree in a related field such as Physics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of ten years of experience in managing fiber optic & photonic or related projects
  • Experience working on and managing projects for DoD applications
  • Broad understanding of photonic and fiber design options as it relates to DoD system applications
  • Substantial knowledge / awareness in the following-
  • Network architectures, communication protocols, sensors and sensor systems, optical transmission, materials and devices
  • Prototyping, packaging, demonstration, characterization of photonics components and systems
  • Developing trends in optical communications, sensors, security, computing
  • Outstanding verbal and written communications skills
  • Demonstrated success in transitioning technology from the laboratory to implementation

Preferred Skills/Experienced areas include:
  • A Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field is highly desired
  • Systems engineering-related skills, experience, and/or training
  • Current relationships with optical suppliers and familiar with the optics vendor ecosystem
  • Business development experience with government customers
  • Possession of an active secret (or higher) security clearance
  • Significant experience with Navy photonic and fiber systems

Your working location will be a hybrid of on-site/work from home, on-site located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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