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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Washington

Fibertek, Inc

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $145K/yr

Job Title Optical Communication Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary ... performance characterization of laser communication terminals, build space fiber lasers, and ...

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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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Solutions & Business Development Engineer

Viavi Solutions

Germantown, MD

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Top Priorities for This Role

  • Business development and sales leadership: independently identify and develop opportunities, build customer momentum, and serve as the go-to solutions expert from initial engagement through proof of concept and deal progression.

  • Core network and DCI technical expertise: Apply hands-on experience with core network and/or DCI architectures using fiber-optic and Ethernet transport, including direct experience with fiber-optic and Ethernet test and measurement. This role requires practical application expertise-not only classroom or conceptual knowledge-and the ability to serve as a trusted solutions and applications expert.

Market & Scope

  • Hyperscale data centers and cloud/AI fiber-optic network infrastructure

  • Colocation and multi-tenant data centers

  • Contractors and ecosystem partners, including dark-fiber and lit-fiber providers supporting DCI builds and wavelength services

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales Leadership

  • Independently identify, develop, and advance opportunities across hyperscale data centers, campus networks, and DCI environments, from initial engagement through proof of concept and deal progression.

  • Drive market development and go-to-market strategy, build relationships across the ecosystem, and create competitive momentum by positioning VIAVI against incumbent solutions.

Technical Expertise & Hyperscaler Engagement

  • Serve as VIAVI go-to technical expert, providing deep, hands-on technical understanding of fiber network test and measurement-spanning data center fiber infrastructure, DCI architectures, fiber certification and characterization, high-speed Ethernet service activation, test automation, and reporting.

  • Lead expert-level technical discussions, workshops, demonstrations, trials, and proofs of concept with teams responsible for optical network design and operations, infrastructure delivery, and metro and long-haul deployments.

  • Translate complex requirements into credible solutions and clear business outcomes.

Voice of Customer & Enablement

  • Capture customer, competitive, and market insights to shape product roadmaps, solution positioning, and go-to-market priorities.

  • Enable the Sales team through customer presentations, methods of procedure, workshops, technical training, and strategic participation in customer engagements and industry forums.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Required Experience & Technical Background

Must Have

  • 5+ years of experience proactively generating, developing, and closing business opportunities-not solely in product marketing, technical support, or sales support

  • Hands-on technical experience with core network and/or DCI architectures over fiber-optic or metro Ethernet transport, including direct experience with test and measurement tools and methods such as OTDR, IL/ORL, CD/PMD, BERT, and RFC 2544 service activation, and working familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., IEC, Telcordia, IEEE 802.3)

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, telecommunications, computer science, physics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

Preferred

  • Experience working with network equipment vendors, fiber ecosystem partners, and fiber contractors

  • Direct experience engaging hyperscalers, cloud providers, or large-scale data center operators

  • Familiarity with hollow-core fiber, multicore fiber, and 800G+ Ethernet testing

  • Fluency in written and spoken English

Key Competencies

  • Proven business development skills and a strong hunter mindset-consistently self-generating pipeline rather than relying on inbound leads

  • Technical credibility with network engineers, operations teams, and network architects

  • Self-driven and able to work independently while advancing opportunities from initial engagement through closure

  • Confident engaging senior leaders and executive stakeholders

Travel

Approximately 30% travel within North America, with occasional international travel.

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

Job Posting Pay Range:

113,050

to

209,950

Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

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