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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Fiber Characterization Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$45.3K

$109.6K

$178.7K

How much do fiber characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for fiber characterization engineer in Chicago, IL is $109,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $136,500.00 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 are popular job titles related to Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs near you

Photonics IC Validation and Characterization Engineer (title will reflect experience)

Eliyan

Mundelein, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Eliyan is building NuLink, a proprietary die-to-die chiplet interconnect fabric purpose-built for AI infrastructure at hyperscale.  We're looking for a hands-on validation and characterization engineer working at the intersection of photonics, opto-electronics, and high-speed electrical interconnect. You'll bring up real devices, characterize optical modulators, lasers, photodiodes, and the analog circuits that drive and receive them, and feeding what you learn directly back to the designers shaping the next generation of parts.

This is a strong fit for someone who enjoys instruments and test & measurements as much as they enjoy code, and who wants to build deep, practical expertise in high-speed optical and electrical tests.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform high-speed electrical and optical testing of photonic integrated circuits, including optical modulators, laser sources, photodiodes, drivers and TIA using >20 GHz instrumentation.
  • Design and build laboratory setups comprised of light sources, detectors, fiber coupling and collimating optical components, microscopes, oscilloscopes, function and waveform generator, and translation stages.
  • Build and run test automation, then analyze and present the resulting data clearly to engineering and cross-functional audiences.
  • Understand raytracing and image formation, correlate SNR, OMA, ER simulations and measurements.
  • Debug measurement setups and devices methodically — isolating issues across the optical, electrical, and software domains.
  • Provide structured feedback to analog circuit designers on silicon performance, design quality, and operating margins.
  • Contribute to test plans, characterization reports, and lab documentation.
Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of experience.
  • MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Exposure to wireline analog and digital signal processing concepts including CTLE, FFE, DFE, SNR, OMA, ER.
  • Hands-on lab instincts and a genuine interest in high-speed test and measurement.
  • Experience in high-speed and optical test equipment such as fast lasers and optical receivers, optical and electrical spectrum analyzers, AWG, BERT, oscilloscopes, DCA, DSO, VNA, and LCA.
  • Hands on experience in VCSEL, DFB lasers, photodiode, or SerDes, Optical I/O characterization.
  • Fluency in Python for test automation and data analysis.
  • Strong debugging, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Familiarity with RF and microwave, high-speed substrate and PCB design and manufacturing.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.