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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Composites Engineer

Harriman, TN · On-site

$81K - $107K/yr

Partner with design teams to select materials and define layups, fiber architecture, and resin ... Perform mechanical testing, evaluate results, and lead material characterization efforts. * Work ...

Composites Engineer

Harriman, TN · On-site

$81K - $107K/yr

Partner with design teams to select materials and define layups, fiber architecture, and resin ... Perform mechanical testing, evaluate results, and lead material characterization efforts. * Work ...

Fiber Characterization Engineer information

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 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 job categories do people searching Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$81K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Longenecker & Associates (L&A), a Geosyntec Company, is a trusted partner enabling critical missions across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex for more than 30 years. We contribute to DOE’s nuclear security and environmental remediation enterprise by providing the highest-caliber staff and experts. We are seeking a motivated Composites Engineer to contribute to our mission supporting our work at Centrus Energy in Oak Ridge, TN.  

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

We invest in our people.  Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too.  We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.

To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.


Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of composite materials and bringing cutting-edge technology to life? Join our team as a Composites Engineer, where you will help design, develop, test, and manufacture highperformance composite structures for realworld applications. You’ll collaborate with talented engineers across disciplines and make a direct impact on product innovation, manufacturing capability, and long-term technical strategy.

What You’ll Do

  • Develop and optimize advanced composite systems for both structural and nonstructural applications.
  • Partner with design teams to select materials and define layups, fiber architecture, and resin systems.
  • Create and maintain clear technical documentation, material specs, and process guidelines.
  • Perform mechanical testing, evaluate results, and lead material characterization efforts.
  • Work sidebyside with manufacturing teams to implement processes such as autoclave curing, infusion, filament winding, or outofautoclave techniques.
  • Investigate material or process failures and lead thorough rootcause analyses.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate new materials and ensure they meet quality and performance requirements.
  • Support prototype builds and drives smooth transitions from development to production.
  • Contribute to ongoing improvements in materials, manufacturing processes, and test methods.

  • Master’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. (required)

Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

  • Due to federal contract security requirements, candidates must be able to successfully pass a federal background investigation to secure and maintain DOE Q security clearance. (required)
  • Due to federal contract security requirements, this position requires U.S. Citizenship. (required)
  • Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing. (required)
  • 2+ years of experience.
  • Strong understanding of composite materials—fibers, resins, core materials, and adhesives.
  • Experience with composite design fundamentals, failure modes, and industry testing standards.
  • Familiarity with common composite fabrication methods and equipment.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test reports.
  • Excellent analytical and problemsolving skills.
  • Industry experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, renewable energy, or similar fields.
  • Handson experience with composite fabrication in lab or production environments.
  • Experience with FEA tools applied to composite structures.

Preferred Qualifications and Location Details

  • Active Q clearance is strong preferred.
  • Understanding of quality systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
  • Familiarity with material databases or statistical analysis tools.
  • Onsite position in Oak Ridge
  • One-year base assignment with possibility of extension and/or conversion after.

Please note that marijuana remains a Schedule III controlled substance under Federal Law. Federal contractors must follow Federal drug-free workplace rules, which prohibit marijuana use, even if medical or recreational use is permitted under State Law. 

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