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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Baltimore, MD

... for material characterization using hand-lay-up, filament winding, VARTM or advanced fiber ... Design, engineer and plan non-standard experiments for sub-component or prototype articles to ...

Fiber Characterization Engineer information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$43.7K

$105.7K

$172.4K

How much do fiber characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for fiber characterization engineer in Baltimore, MD is $105,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $131,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Baltimore, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs? Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings in Baltimore, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,709 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Electro-Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Relative Dynamics

Greenbelt, MD

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering services and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamics.space.

Relative Dynamics is seeking an Electro-Optical Engineer to perform design, development, calibration and evaluation of electro-optical elements, subsystems, and systems for spaceflight and ground- based systems. Included are lasers, detectors, and beam control assemblies. In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. This is a full-time, on-site position and NOT eligible for remote work.

What You'll Get to Do:

  • Provide fiber optic manufacturing, test, and characterization services for the Photonics Laboratories.

  • Develop appropriate manufacturing and verification processes for the construction of high reliability fiber optic cables and fiber optic components/assemblies.

  • Generation and maintenance of manufacturing work travelers and electro-optical of test logs

  • Assist with the operation of thermal, thermal vacuum, and cryogenic test chambers for characterization of fiber optic cables and electro-optical components.

What You'll Need:

Required Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Electro-optics, or related technical field.

  • Minimum five (5) years demonstrated experience in a laboratory/manufacturing environment.

  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and not require current or future sponsorship.

Required Skills

  • Demonstrated cleanroom work experience and training/certification.

  • Demonstrated safe operation of electro-optical manufacturing and test equipment, including Class II-IV LASERs.

  • Demonstrated experience in fusion fiber splicing of single core fibers.

  • Demonstrated experience in the use of polymeric applications for high reliability photonic applications.

  • Well organized, with the ability to multi-task effectively in a fast paced manufacturing environment.

  • Experienced user of Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

  • Demonstrated use of Labview, including writing/programming new code, editing and compiling existing code for the purposes of test automation.

  • Experienced user of Matlab for analyzing, plotting and reporting of large datasets.

  • Excellent English communication (verbal and written) skills

Desired Qualifications

  • Co-op or post-graduate experience in fiber optic or electro-optic research or development

  • NASA ESD training

  • Prior NASA project work experience

Who You Are:

  • Effective communicator who can translate complex technical concepts across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders

  • Customer-focused, with the ability to support government and agency partners while maintaining high service standards

  • Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting commitments in regulated and deadline-driven environments

  • Productive and results-oriented, balancing quality, efficiency, and innovation across projects

  • Collaborative team player who contributes to shared goals and overall organizational success

What You'll Enjoy:

  • Grow your career with mobility, continuous learning, tuition reimbursement, and a personal development program in a culture that rewards innovation and impact

  • Join a high-performing team that works together on meaningful, mission-driven work and support each other.

  • Enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life/disability coverage, 401(k) with match, PTO, company holidays, and community engagement opportunities

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.