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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Endurance Energy

Senior Electrical Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Architect and implement communication systems including Ethernet, fiber optic, and serial protocols ... characterization, communication link validation, and fault injection * Drive root cause ...

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All JobsFiber Characterization Engineer JobsFiber Characterization Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Fiber Characterization Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$50.1K

$121.1K

$197.4K

How much do fiber characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fiber characterization engineer in Seattle, WA is $121,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $150,800.00 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 Seattle, WA?

For Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings:

Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,070 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Sr. Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$135K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation

  • Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions

  • Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. SPACE LASERS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)
The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a blend of theoretical expertise, practical implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems.
As a SpaceX optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly contribute to mission-critical applications such as next-generation star tracking system for precise navigation in space environments. You will build reliable, efficient systems by leading
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation
  • Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
  • Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions
  • Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testing
  • Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection testing
  • Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems
  • Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
  • Maintain link budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities data
  • Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goals
  • Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing
  • Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
  • 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, MATLAB, and/or Python)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
  • Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
  • Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of laser communication systems
  • Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
  • Knowledge of and experience in free-space optical principles, optical component testing/troubleshooting techniques, precision metrology techniques, manufacturing and integration processes
  • Experience leading development of commercial communications products
  • Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications
  • Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking
  • Knowledge of and experience in atmospheric optical effects
  • Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
  • Competence with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometer, laser sources)
  • Experience with infrared system alignment and characterization
  • Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Working extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Space Lasers Engineer/Senior: $135,000.00 - $195,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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