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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Lightpath

Tech Adv - Installation

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

... that are engineered to last. Job Summary Responsible for installation and repair of ... Strong knowledge of DWDM systems, optical theory, and fiber characterization. * HS Diploma or ...

IonQ

Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

In this role, you will be responsible for the characterization and test development of on-chip ... Experience working with laser sources and fiber components. * Strong programming skills for data ...

Distro

Electromechanical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$97K - $149K/yr

Testing & Characterization Develop and execute electrical test plans, including continuity ... fiber attachment. • Experience with qualification testing and reliability standards. • ...

Distro

Electromechanical Engineer

Bedford, MA

$97K - $149K/yr

Testing & Characterization Develop and execute electrical test plans, including continuity ... or fiber attachment. * Experience with qualification testing and reliability standards.

Distro

Electromechanical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$97K - $149K/yr

Testing & Characterization Develop and execute electrical test plans, including continuity ... welding, or fiber attachment. Experience with qualification testing and reliability standards.

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All JobsFiber Characterization Engineer JobsFiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Fiber Characterization Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$47.8K

$115.6K

$188.5K

How much do fiber characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for fiber characterization engineer in Boston, MA is $115,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,600.00 and $143,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,578 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Senior Photonics Systems & Characterization Engineer

Analogdevices

Wilmington, MA • On-site

$13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

About Analog Devices

Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) is a global semiconductor leader that bridges the physical and digital worlds to enable breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. ADI combines analog, digital, AI, and software technologies into solutions that combat climate change, reliably connect humans and the world, and help drive advancements in automation and robotics, mobility, healthcare, energy and data centers. With revenue of more than $11 billion in FY25, ADI ensures today's innovators stay Ahead of What's Possible. Learn more at www.analog.comand on LinkedIn and X.

Analog Devices is building new capabilities in integrated photonics, optical communications, co-packaged optics (CPO), near-packaged optics (NPO), and advanced optical control systems. We are investing in both internal laboratory capability and external collaborations with leading universities, foundries, and research institutions. Our Wilmington photonics lab is now operational and supporting multiple demonstrator programs spanning silicon photonics,microringmodulators, and next-generation optical interconnect technologies.

We are looking for a hands-on engineer who enjoys building systems, solving difficult measurement challenges, and working at the intersection of photonics, electronics, packaging, and control.

Key Responsibilities

Photonics System Bring-Up & Characterization

  • Lead characterization of photonic demonstrator platforms.

  • Develop and execute optical, electrical, thermal, and system-level test plans.

  • Perform measurements including:

  • Optical spectrum analysis

  • High-speed modulation testing

  • BER characterization

  • Thermal tuning and resonance characterization

  • OptoelectronicControl-loop validation

  • Eye diagram and signal integrity analysis

  • Die and wafer level measurements

  • Correlate laboratory results to system-level optical interconnect requirements.

Laboratory Ownership

  • Own day-to-day operation of the Wilmington photonics laboratory.

  • Specify, commission,maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment.

  • Develop laboratory procedures and characterization methodologies.

  • Support future lab capability expansion and equipment procurement.

Automation & Data Analysis

  • Develop Python-based automation frameworks.

  • Create repeatable characterization workflows.

  • Analyze large measurement datasets.

  • Generate technical reports and engineering recommendations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

  • Photonic IC designers

  • High-speed electronics teams

  • Packaging engineers

  • University collaborators

  • Foundry and OSAT partners

Currently ADI collaborates withUniversities, institutes, and multiple photonic technology suppliers.

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in:

  • Photonics

  • Optics

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Applied Physics

  • Related technical discipline

  • Hands-on experience with optical characterization.

  • Strong understanding of integrated photonics.

  • Experience with optical communication systems.

  • Proficiencyin Python for automation and data analysis.

  • Demonstrated ability to independently bring up laboratory hardware and measurement systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Siliconphotonicsexperience.

  • Microringresonator characterization.

  • TFLN device experience.

  • High-speed optical communications.

  • PIC packaging and fiber alignment experience.

  • Co-packaged optics (CPO) or datacenter optical interconnect experience.

  • Experience working with photonic foundries and academic collaborators.

Why This Role Matters

The successful candidate will playa central rolein helping ADIestablishinternal photonicsexpertiseand validate future optical connectivity architectures. The position offers a unique opportunity to work across devices, systems, packaging, controls, and advanced datacenter technologies while helping shape ADI's long-term photonics roadmap.

For positions requiring access to technical data, Analog Devices, Inc. may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, applicants for this position - except US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, and protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) - may have to go through an export licensing review process.

Analog Devices is an equal opportunity employer. We foster a culture where everyone has an opportunity to succeed regardless of their race, color, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, union membership, and political affiliation, or any other legally protected group.

EEO is the Law: Notice of Applicant Rights Under the Law.

Job Req Type: ExperiencedRequired Travel: Yes, 10% of the timeShift Type: 1st Shift/DaysThe expected wage range for a new hire into this position is $131,285 to $190,108.

  • Actual wage offered may vary depending on work location, experience, education, training, external market data, internal pay equity, or other bona fide factors.

  • This position qualifies for a discretionary performance-based bonus which is based on personal and company factors.

  • This position includes medical, vision and dental coverage, 401k, paid vacation, holidays, and sick time, and other benefits.

Apply