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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Conowingo, 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 Conowingo, MD salary details

$42K

$101.6K

$165.6K

How much do fiber characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fiber characterization engineer in Conowingo, MD is $101,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,600.00 and $126,500.00 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 cities near Conowingo, MD are hiring for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs? Cities near Conowingo, MD with the most Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings:

Composites Expert

SURVICE Engineering Company

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD • On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

Join Us in Making a Difference in the Lives of Those Defending Our Nation!Why SURVICE?Come join the SURVICE Engineering mission to protect, enhance, and enable those who defend the United States. Since 1981, we have supported the DoD community, as well as Homeland Security, advanced technologies, environmental, and commercial markets. Our employees have backgrounds in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, acquisition, technical writing, training, and other technical and administrative fields. And many of our personnel have DoD and/or operational military experience. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career with a leading organization, come see what we can offer you!PositionComposites ResearcherLocation: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MarylandSecurity Clearance: U.S. citizenship requiredSalary: $85,000 - $105,000 Depending on Experience and EducationTravel: 5%Benefits: SURVICE Engineering offers a total rewards package to include competitive salaries, comprehensive insurance options, paid time off, 401k, flexible spending, tuition reimbursement.Position SummarySURVICE Engineering is currently seeking a Composites Expert to support our Aberdeen Research Operation. You will accelerate your career and become an integral team member within the defense community.Primary Duties and ResponsibilitiesFabricate flat panel fiber reinforced laminates of arbitrary architecture for material characterization using hand-lay-up, filament winding, VARTM or advanced fiber placement technology (AFP) for autoclave or compression molding consolidation.Operate basic machining equipment (surface grinder, CNC mill, slot grinding, band saw) to convert as-processed flat composite panels into test coupons that meet specified ASTM geometries and tabbing guidelines.Instrument/prepare both ASTM and non-standard test samples with strain measuring approaches including strain gage, extensometer, and digital image correlation (DIC).Operate complex data acquisition equipment to capture in-situ material response data using a variety of methods.Design, engineer and plan non-standard experiments for sub-component or prototype articles to support performance evaluations and model development and validation.Design unique prototype concepts for testing material properties.Measure materials response of composites and plastics using appropriate ASTM or equivalent standard test protocols.Collect, organize, and reduce data to report on basic engineering constants, mechanical properties for database development and screening/ranking of performance.Fabricate digital laminates using commercial codes and assess property using computational methods.Design laminate structures and component geometries in Solidworks. Export and or translate to engineering software for build or material property analysis in Autodyne or CGTech commercial codes.Formulate new chemistries and materials from molecular chemical options to design new resins, adhesives, polymers, or composite precursors for new materials.Run predictive design of experiments using computational methods to project property response to static or dynamic loading of coupons in digital framework.Complete comprehensive data analysis and review of measured data across range of technical measurement methods to determine go/no-go and facilitate decision making on materials processing or selection for performance-based results.Prepare presentations and written documents summarizing efforts in Government formatMinimum Qualifications of Composites Expert  Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Materials Engineering and 1+ years of relevant experience. Exceptional candidates with less experience will be considered. Candidates are not required to possess all qualifications; if you possess some of the desired qualifications, please apply.Hands-on experience with composite manufacturing/processing methodsExperience with ASTM and non-standard experimental testing of composites and polymersExperience with microscopy/failure analysis methods for composites and polymersExperience/familiarity with modeling methods for advanced composite materialsAbout UsSURVICE Engineering is a nationally recognized, single-source engineering service provider for Government and Industry organizations involved in all phases of the systems engineering process. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and they are proud to have supported the development, testing, analysis, and modeling and simulation (M&S) of many of the major U.S. air, land, and sea combat systems in the field today. They have also contributed their expertise to other vital national defense programs and technologies that involve survivability, cybersecurity, information technology/management, software engineering, unmanned aerial systems (UASs), and metrology/reverse engineering.SURVICE Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
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