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Fiber Characterization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fiber Test Engineer

Lexington, MA · On-site

$117.60K - $176.30K/yr

Fiber Test Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team ... Fiber equipment / component characterization and calibration * Power in fiber measurement to ...

Manager, Field Operations

Victor, NY · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The Manager, Field Operations partners closely with Provisioning, Core Network Engineering, IP ... fiber characterization and inspection tools, RFC circuit testing, Ethernet, TDM, and network power ...

Fiber Test Engineer

Lexington, MA · On-site

$117.60K - $176.30K/yr

Fiber Test Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team ... Fiber equipment / component characterization and calibration * Power in fiber measurement to ...

Manager, Field Operations

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The Manager, Field Operations partners closely with Provisioning, Core Network Engineering, IP ... fiber characterization and inspection tools, RFC circuit testing, Ethernet, TDM, and network power ...

Works with Provisioning for installation of Service Delivery deployments, Core Network Engineering ... In depth understanding of test equipment for Fiber Qualification (OTDR, Fiber Characterization ...

Acceptance and characterization - Define and enforce fiber acceptance criteria (OTDR bi-directional ... line-system engineers can use * Ability to serve as the single accountable owner for physical ...

The Manager, Field Operations partners closely with Provisioning, Core Network Engineering, IP ... fiber characterization and inspection tools, RFC circuit testing, Ethernet, TDM, and network power ...

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

... system design, fiber coupling optimization, lens development, optical characterization, and ... D. in: Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, or Related technical field • ...

New

Fibertek's engineering teams simultaneously tackle laser optical performance beyond ... Coordinate and support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of fiber lasers ...

Fibertek's engineering teams simultaneously tackle laser optical performance beyond ... Coordinate and support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of fiber lasers ...

Fibertek's engineering teams simultaneously tackle laser optical performance beyond ... Coordinate and support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of fiber lasers ...

Fibertek's engineering teams simultaneously tackle laser optical performance beyond ... Coordinate and support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of fiber lasers ...

... fiber characterization) • Experience with automation and scripting (Python, Bash, Ansible, etc ... experienced engineers • Demonstrated analytical and troubleshooting skills across multiple ...

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Fiber Characterization Engineer information

See salary details

$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do fiber characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 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 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.

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 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.

More about Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fiber Characterization Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Fiber Characterization Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Field Service Engineer III Charleston SC

Field Service Engineer III Charleston SC

Segra

Charleston, SC

$27.20 - $33.97/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Segra is searching for a qualified and experienced Field Service Engineer III (Charleston SC) to join us in a full-time capacity.

Location Requirement:

The work arrangement for this role is in office onsite 5 days each week.

Role Overview:

The Field Service Engineer is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the network, including but not limited to equipment installation & commissioning, circuit/node turn-up & testing, customer premise equipment, (Ethernet Network Interface Devices, Routers, Data Switches, premise Firewalls, IAD's, Hosted phones, ONT's, preventive maintenance, and testing/troubleshooting associated with transport infrastructure, switching infrastructure and IP/Data networks. Field Operations personnel will perform "on call" duties as required. The FSE will interact with internal and external customers, service technicians, technical support personnel and other telecom professionals.

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of Telecom equipment (ex.- Cisco, Ciena, etc.)
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience with Telecom equipment

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate's degree or technical field (industry related) preferred, and/or a combination of job-related experience.
  • Cisco and/or Ciena equipment experience preferred.
  • AC/DC core fundamentals; good driving record; Office 365 suite.
  • Understanding and use of engineering documents.
  • Able to understand and operate advanced industry test sets, DS1-100G, OTDR and fiber scopes.
  • Knowledgeable and skilled with DC power to support tertiary power applications.
  • Work independently with limited supervision.
  • Assumes all routine tasks for major projects and is periodically called upon to make routine decisions.
  • Advanced installation and troubleshooting experience across a wide variety of equipment.
  • Understanding and use of engineering documents.
  • Able to understand and operate advanced industry test sets, DS1-100G, OTDR and fiber scopes.
  • Perform advanced OTDR traces and fiber characterization testing and ability to interpret and understand the results.
  • Knowledgeable and skilled with DC power to support tertiary, secondary and primary power applications.

About Segra:

Segra owns and operates a wide and dense fiber-optic infrastructure footprint that provides state-of-the-art connectivity, cybersecurity, voice, cloud and colocation solutions, all backed by industry leading service and reliability. Serving over 20,000 connected customer locations, Segra has been providing customer focused solutions for over 125 years.

At Segra, we imagine, we engineer and we build a world of opportunities for our customers through fiber-enabled technologies, driven by our customer-first mentality. We invest in the communities we serve by hiring locally, empowering our teams, and continually upgrading our network infrastructure to deliver smarter, stronger technology solutions.

Benefits Overview:

Segra offers a very robust benefits package to our full-time employees, some of which include:

  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k) match
  • Flexible Spending/Health Savings Accounts
  • Tuition and gym reimbursements
  • Vacation/PTO, paid holidays, floating holidays
  • Volunteer days, parental leave
  • Legal, accidental, hospital indemnity, identify theft, pet insurance

Our Commitment to Equality:

Segra is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination of any kind. Segra does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Salary Range:

$27.20 - $33.97

Beyond competitive health and retirement benefits with immediate 401(k) vesting, Segra also invests in your total well-being through programs supporting physical, mental, financial, and social wellness.

SEGRA is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. The company does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws in employment with or treatment once employed in the company. No question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or eliminating any applicant from consideration for employment on any basis prohibited by applicable local, state or federal law. Individuals with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. Please inform SEGRA's personnel if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.

NOTHING IN THIS APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT SHALL CREATE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.