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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Centerline

Fiber Optic Technician

Cleveland, GA · On-site

... of fiber characterization testing, DWDM/CWDM network considerations, and loss budgets. • ... Our technicians, engineers, and professional staff bring unmatched expertise to each job, working ...

Waveguide Solutions LLC

Fiber Splicer

Burlington, VT

$25 - $29.75/hr

Excellent fiber optic test and troubleshooting abilities to include fiber characterization, iOLM ... Our technicians, engineers, and professional staff bring unmatched expertise to each job, working ...

Centerline

Fiber Splicer, Burlington VT

Burlington, VT · On-site

$25 - $29.75/hr

Excellent fiber optic test and troubleshooting abilities to include fiber characterization, iOLM ... Our technicians, engineers, and professional staff bring unmatched expertise to each job, working ...

Centerline

Fiber Splice Technician

Portland, ME · On-site

Excellent fiber optic test and troubleshooting abilities to include fiber characterization, iOLM ... Our technicians, engineers, and professional staff bring unmatched expertise to each job, working ...

EXFO, Inc.

Solutions Engineer

Solutions Engineer - US NEMs and Labs Team The candidate is responsible for supporting sales growth ... fiber characterization equipment, passive component test beds as well as the ability to stay ...

DataField Technology Services

Network Engineer III

$40 - $60/hr

This is a senior-level engineering role ideal for someone with strong experience in optical ... Fiber characterization (CD/PMD) * Ciena, Nokia, Cisco, Juniper, Infinera, or Fujitsu transport ...

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Fiber Characterization Engineer information

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$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do fiber characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for fiber characterization engineer in the United States is $106,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $132,500.00 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 are the typical daily responsibilities of a Fiber Characterization Engineer?

As a Fiber Characterization Engineer, your daily responsibilities usually include performing on-site testing and analysis of optical fiber networks using specialized equipment such as OTDRs, CD/PMD testers, and optical spectrum analyzers. You’ll document and interpret test results to ensure network compliance with industry standards, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical recommendations for network optimization. Collaboration with project managers, network designers, and field technicians is common, as you’ll often be part of a team working to deliver high-quality fiber optic infrastructure for clients. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential for accurately conveying findings and ensuring efficient project delivery.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fiber Characterization Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
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Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs near you
Data Center Market Development Manager

Data Center Market Development Manager

Viavi Solutions

Germantown, MD

$168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Position Purpose

VIAVI is seeking a Data Center Market Development Manager passionate about data center technologies and innovation to drive growth, develop new opportunities, and accelerate adoption of VIAVI's fiber network test, measurement, and automation solutions across the hyperscale data center ecosystem.

The role focuses on market development, customer engagement, and gotomarket execution for testing solutions covering:

  • Multifiber testing inside data centers and campus environments
  • Fiber characterization and qualification for data center interconnects
  • Highspeed Ethernet service activation, including nextgeneration speeds (800G and beyond)
  • Cloud-based workflow platform for test automation, data management and reporting

This position is ideal for a businessdevelopmentoriented professional with a strong interest in emerging network technologies, capable of translating VIAVI test capabilities into tangible customer value and market impact.

Market & Scope

  • Hyperscale data centers (cloud, AI, campus architectures)
  • Colocation and multitenant data centers
  • Contractors and ecosystem partners, including darkfiber and litfiber providers supporting DC builds and DCI services

Key Responsibilities

  • Market Development & GotoMarket Execution
  • Define and execute the Data Center market development and GTM strategy for fiber network test, measurement, and automation solutions
  • Identify growth opportunities across insidedatacenter, campus, and DCI environments
  • Partner closely with Sales to define and optimize distribution models, including direct sales, rental partners, and distributors, based on customer profiles, deployment models, and regional needs
  • Develop competitive insights, positioning, and channel strategies to strengthen VIAVI's differentiation and maximize market coverage
  • Align execution with market segment priorities and business objectives
  • Proven track record of driving market share growth through competitive wins and displacement of incumbent solutions

Customer & Ecosystem Engagement

  • Build strong relationships with hyperscaler data center teams (network, optical, infrastructure, and metro deployment teams)
  • Engage key ecosystem partners (contractors, cable manufacturers, NEMs)
  • Lead customer discussions on testing challenges and requirements
  • Support Proof-of-Concepts, trials, and early deployments
  • Act as a trusted interface between customers, Sales, and Product Management

Technology & Value Proposition

  • Translate technical features into clear value propositions and business outcomes
  • Support and promote use cases related to: multifiber testing, fiber characterization and highspeed Ethernet testing and service activation
  • Demonstrate strong curiosity and ability to position new technologies and evolving test requirements

Voice of Customer & Internal Alignment

  • Capture market and customer feedback to influence product roadmaps and priorities
  • Provide insights on competitive dynamics, standards evolution, and market trends
  • Ensure alignment across Sales, Marketing, Product, and Services teams

Sales Support & Enablement

  • Support Sales and PreSales through customer presentations, MOP development, and workshops
  • Participate in strategic customer engagements, events, and industry forums
  • Contribute to internal enablement and training programs

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Required Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics, Computer Science, or related field
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in business development, market development, product marketing, or technical sales
  • Experience in data center and/or DCI networking environments
  • Prior experience with a network equipment vendor, fiber technology ecosystem or hyperscale DC operator preferred
  • Experience engaging hyperscalers or large data center operators is a strong asset

Technical Knowledge

  • Fiberoptic network architectures
  • Multifiber testing and highdensity connectivity
  • Fiber characterization techniques (IL/ORL, OTDR, CD, PMD)
  • Highspeed Ethernet testing and service activation up to 800G
  • Familiarity with HollowCore Fiber and Multicore Fiber preferred

Key Competencies

  • Strong business development mindset
  • High curiosity and appetite for new and emerging technologies
  • Customeroriented with credibility toward technical stakeholders
  • Ability to interact confidently with senior management and executive audiences
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to influence across functions without direct authority
  • Strategic thinker with a handson, executionoriented approach
  • Comfortable operating in fastmoving and evolving technology environments

Languages

  • English - fluent (written and spoken)

Role Characteristics

  • Strategic growth role with strong exposure to hyperscale and data center market
  • Crossfunctional role spanning Marketing, Sales, Product, and Technology
  • Direct contribution to nextgeneration data center networks and testing methodologies

Travel Requirement

  • Minimum 30% travel within North America
  • Occasional international travel for internal meetings and global alignment

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

Job Posting Pay Range:

113,050

to

209,950

Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

Apply