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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Coherent

Lead Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Work with test engineering teams to perform characterization of silicon photonics devices * Work ... Good knowledge of fiber optic and/or wireless communication systems and applications * Good ...

Coherent

Lead Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Work with test engineering teams to perform characterization of silicon photonics devices * Work ... Good knowledge of fiber optic and/or wireless communication systems and applications * Good ...

All JobsFiber Characterization Engineer JobsFiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Fiber Characterization Engineer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$44.4K

$107.4K

$175.1K

How much do fiber characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for fiber characterization engineer in Philadelphia, PA is $107,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,700.00 and $133,700.00 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 Philadelphia, PA?

For Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings:

Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings in Philadelphia, PA 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 $107,353 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Electronic Design Engineer, Senior/Principal

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings

Hamilton Township, NJ

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Electronic Design Engineer, Senior / Principal
Position Overview: The Electronic Design Engineer, Senior / Principal will utilize in depth knowledge to develop, design, maintain, or improve electrical and photonics components, products, or systems for Commercial, Aerospace & Defense and other wireless applications. Will demonstrate conceptual and practical expertise in electronic design challenges and basic knowledge of related disciplines.
Key Responsibilities:
Requires specialized depth and/or knowledge or expertise in the design, drafting, test, and release of new electronics products, devices, circuits, and/or systems. Products include analog RF fiber optic links, high-speed digital fiber optic transceivers and fiber optic amplifiers. Products utilize microprocessors and firmware.
Be responsible for all design activities and related product development activities from kick-off through engineering evaluation and write test and assembly plans and procedures.
Acts as a resource to develop team atmosphere together with our transistor designers, our application, and device engineering teams.
Initiate prototype builds and manage product characterization. Design evaluation boards and characterization fixtures, direct or perform measurements, and process and present evaluation data against the product development goals.
Provide clear status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing test data.
Expert in formal stage-gate new product introduction process.
Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with other others.
Awareness of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market.
Impacts a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams, acts as resource for colleagues.
Work with our Product Engineering group to transfer products to production.

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