Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Job Title: Sr. MGR Quality & Reliability Engineering -Optical Connectivity
Posting Start Date: 6/23/26
At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.
Job Description:
Job Overview
Sr. Manager, Quality and Reliability Engineering - Passive Optical Engineering, Digital Data Networks (DDN) Unit | TE Connectivity
Join TE Connectivity's industry-leading Passive Optics organization as a Quality and Reliability Engineering Manager and drive excellence in optical interconnect solutions powering AI and hyperscale computing. You'll ensure world-class quality and reliability for Fiber Attachment Unit (FAU) assemblies through advanced metrology, statistical analysis, and precision optical characterization that enables mission-critical data center applications.
Why This Role Matters: As AI workloads demand unprecedented reliability and performance consistency, optical quality engineering has become the cornerstone of successful deployment. You'll be instrumental in establishing quality benchmarks and reliability standards that directly enable the AI revolution while reinforcing TE's reputation for uncompromising optical connectivity excellence.
Please note: operations are currently based at a temporary site in Webster, NY. The team will transition to a permanent Rochester location (near RIC) upon completion.
Job Responsibilities
Advanced Optical Characterization & Metrology
• Lead precision optical testing: insertion/return loss, crosstalk, and backscatter reflectometry
• Perform state-of-polarization, PER measurements, and polarity verification
• Conduct laser/beam profiling and lens characterization for optimized coupling efficiency
• Develop sub-micron optical alignment, pointing-stability, and beam-steering protocols
• Drive supplier qualification, incoming inspection, and capability assessments
Interferometric & Advanced Optics
• Utilize white-light, coherence-scanning, and phase-shift interferometry for surface and dimensional analysis
• Conduct wavefront, aberration, and optical-path-difference characterization
• Perform spatial/temporal coherence measurements and visibility analysis
• Verify optical-path stability, beam divergence, and diffraction performance
Statistical Quality & Reliability Engineering
• Apply SPC, capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and control charts to optical performance
• Develop accelerated life tests, perform Weibull analysis, and predict failure rates
• Lead Six Sigma DMAIC initiatives, DOE, and root-cause investigations
• Establish MSA, gauge R&R, and calibration protocols for optical test systems
Test Development & Validation
• Design automated optical test systems with integrated data acquisition
• Develop environmental tests: thermal cycling, humidity, vibration, mechanical stress
• Ensure compliance with IEC, TIA/EIA, and IEEE optical standards
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive DFQ and production readiness
What your background should look like

• • Education: BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
  • Experience: 10-12 years in optical quality engineering, fiber optics characterization, or photonics metrology
  • Hands-on Expertise: Proven experience with optical bench setups, precision alignment systems, and advanced optical measurement techniques
  • Statistical Knowledge: Strong foundation in statistical analysis, quality control methodologies, and reliability engineering principles
  • Optical Metrology: Expert-level proficiency with optical spectrum analyzers (OSAs), optical time domain reflectometers (OTDRs), interferometers, imaging systems, and polarimeters
  • Measurement Systems: Hands-on experience with beam profilers, power meters, insertion loss test sets, and return loss analyzers
  • Quality Tools: Proficiency with statistical software (Minitab, JMP, R), SPC implementation, and reliability analysis tools
  • FAU Characterization: Comprehensive understanding of Fiber Attachment Unit testing requirements, coupling efficiency optimization, and performance validation
  • Backscatter Analysis: Expertise in optical backscatter measurement, OFDR trace interpretation, and reflectance characterization
  • Thermal Analysis: Experience with temperature-dependent optical performance, thermal cycling protocols, and environmental stress testing
  • Manufacturing Quality: Knowledge of optical assembly processes, yield optimization, and in-line quality monitoring systems

Competencies
SET : Strategy, Execution, Talent (for managers)
ABOUT TE CONNECTIVITY
TE Connectivity plc (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. As a trusted innovation partner, our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers enabling artificial intelligence, and more.
Our more than 90,000 employees, including 10,000 engineers, work alongside customers in approximately 130 countries. In a world that is racing ahead, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
COMPENSATION
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $155,00 - $232,500 (subject to change dependent on physical location)
• Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. TE Connectivity reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualification of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.
• Total Compensation = Base Salary + Incentive(s) + Benefits
BENEFITS
• A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), disability, life insurance, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off and voluntary benefits.
EOE, Including Disability/Vets
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING RECRUITMENT FRAUD
TE Connectivity has become aware of fraudulent recruitment activities being conducted by individuals or organizations falsely claiming to represent TE Connectivity. Please be advised that TE Connectivity never requests payment or fees from job applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings are posted exclusively on our official careers website at te.com/careers, and all email communications from our recruitment team will come only from actual email addresses ending in @te.com. If you receive any suspicious communications, we strongly advise you not to engage or provide any personal information, and to report the incident to your local authorities.
Job Locations:
Posting City: Rochester
Job Country: United States
Travel Required: Less than 10%
Requisition ID: 149371
Workplace Type: Onsite
External Careers Page: Engineering & Technology