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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Foxconn Industrial Internet

Senior Optical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$123K - $159K/yr

... characterization, and production readiness from prototypes through product maturity. This is a ... Proven experience troubleshooting optical path issues, including fiber connectors, end-face quality ...

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All JobsFiber Characterization Engineer JobsFiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Fiber Characterization Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$42K

$101.6K

$165.7K

How much do fiber characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for fiber characterization engineer in Houston, TX is $101,596.00, 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 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 Houston, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings:

Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 24% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,596 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer

Mclaurin Aerospace

Houston, TX • On-site

$87K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!
We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer to join our JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.
If selected you will:
  • Provide leadership for projects related to textile materials selection, flammability testing in high oxygen atmospheres, ignition characterization, battery thermal runaway tests, and related test campaigns across multiple NASA centers, partner agencies and commercial entities
  • Support various NASA programs by providing nonmetallic and fibrous materials expertise for the selection of soft goods and polymeric materials exposed to different atmospheres, high vacuum, and extreme temperatures. This support applies to any type of soft goods and polymeric materials: rigid and semi-rigid plastics, thin films, coatings, foams, textiles, and their finishing treatments.
  • Provide technical leadership on nonmetallic material and fibrous materials selection to use in Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) development for various NASA programs.
  • Support NASA Materials and Processes (M&P) engineers with respect to the evaluation and selection of nonmetallic and fibrous materials
  • Act as primary engineer coordinating various flammability, ignition and combustion tests in accordance with NASA-STD-6001 with the White Sands Test Facility.
  • Direct development of flammability configuration coupons made from various soft goods and polymeric materials.
  • Review NASA reports, requirement documents, proposals, conference papers, journal articles related to nonmetallics and fibrous materials.
  • Perform testing and characterization on nonmetallic materials as needed.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:
This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.
  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2- 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Polymer Science and Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Fire Science and Engineering, or related field and a minimum of 2 years of direct experience in the field, preferably with some understanding or experience in textiles.
  • Familiar with high performance polymers that are commonly in film, foam, or fiber form, such as PTFE, PVDF, Aramids, Polyimide, PEEK, PBI, etc.
  • Familiarity with flammability testing, fire testing, flame testing or combustion testing on polymers.
  • Experience in characterization methods, such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM/EDS. Familiar with polymer testing standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and productively with team members and cross functional team.
  • Problem solver and quick learner with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills include the ability to prepare and give presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with textiles for structural applications.
  • Previous experience supporting a NASA project.

Benefits
  • Competitive pay
  • Positive work-life balance
  • 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • 11 paid holidays annually
  • Generous PTO
  • 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
  • Education assistance
  • Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines.
US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.
Mclaurin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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