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Fiber Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Structures Design Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$97K - $162K/yr

Experience utilizing multiple manufacturing processes, such as subtractive, additive, carbon fiber ... D. in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or relevant field of study * 5+ years of ...

PsiQuantum

Photonic Design Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

... standard fiber-optic infrastructure. In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to ... This position is for a Photonic Design Engineer within the Circuit Team. This role is intended to ...

ITT Inc. - English US

Product Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $165K/yr

Engineering BOM creation, documentation creation and updates * Design of new components and ... Experience in Filters, Fiber Optics, Micro-miniature and/or High-Speed Data transfer a plus

KLA Corporation

Electrical Design Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$125K - $212K/yr

Other useful skills includes experience with programmable logic controllers, cable and fiber optic design, ladder logic, or soldering. E) Strong communication skills and the ability to work on cross ...

Orbotech

Electrical Design Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$125K - $212K/yr

Other useful skills includes experience with programmable logic controllers, cable and fiber optic design, ladder logic, or soldering. E) Strong communication skills and the ability to work on cross ...

PsiQuantum

Photonic Design Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

... standard fiber-optic infrastructure. In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to ... This position is for a Photonic Design Engineer within the Circuit Team. This role is intended to ...

SpaceX

Harness Design Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$115K - $140K/yr

HARNESS DESIGN ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's satellite technology and launch ... Experience with connector, wire, cable, fiber, overwrap, and shield component specification and ...

New

Amphenol TCS

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100K - $168K/yr

... fiber optic connectors and interconnect systems, antennas, sensors and sensor-based products and ... Position: Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer (Data Center Focus) Location: Santa Clara, CA Amphenol ...

MasTec Inc

Fiber Splicer (Travel)

Mcclellan, CA · On-site

$34 - $38/hr

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

MasTec Inc

Fiber Splicer

French Camp, CA

$32 - $36/hr

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

MasTec Inc

Fiber Splicer

French Camp, CA

$32 - $36/hr

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Leidos

RCDD Telecom Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Design fiber interconnections between external sites and internal transport and routed network ... Engineering degree desired but not required * Must be a US citizen and be able to pass a DOE ...

Leidos

RCDD Telecom Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Design fiber interconnections between external sites and internal transport and routed network ... Engineering degree desired but not required * Must be a US citizen and be able to pass a DOE ...

MasTec Inc

Fiber Splicer

French Camp, CA

$32 - $36/hr

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

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All JobsFiber Design Engineer JobsFiber Design Engineer Jobs in California

Fiber Design Engineer information

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$23

$42

$64

How much do fiber design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for fiber design engineer in California is $42.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.18 and $49.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Fiber Design Engineers during project execution?

Fiber Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, navigating complex permitting processes, and adapting designs to site-specific constraints like existing infrastructure or geographical obstacles. Balancing cost efficiency with network performance requirements and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards are also central to the role. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the engineer frequently collaborates with construction teams, local authorities, and clients to keep projects on track.

What Does a Fiber Design Engineer Do?

A fiber design engineer, also known as an outside plant engineer (OSP), is a telecommunications engineer who designs optic cable systems. Your responsibilities include fiber design and its allocation, developing route maps for cable and assessing the terrain through which your cabling must pass, creating budgets for projects, determining the types of materials necessary to complete orders, and ensuring you have the right inventory for each project. Your designs and analyses are then passed off to a contractor or project manager who implements your designs.

What is the difference between Fiber Design Engineer vs Optical Network Engineer?

AspectFiber Design EngineerOptical Network Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Telecom Engineering, certifications like CCNA, Fiber Optic certificationsBachelor's in Electrical/Telecom Engineering, certifications like CCNA, Fiber Optic certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning fiber optic networks, planning layouts, and specificationsImplementing, troubleshooting, and maintaining optical networks
Industry UsageTelecom, internet service providers, network infrastructureTelecom, data centers, network service providers

While both roles require similar technical credentials and work within the telecom and network industries, a Fiber Design Engineer primarily focuses on designing fiber optic networks, whereas an Optical Network Engineer handles the deployment, troubleshooting, and maintenance of these networks.

How much does a fiber engineer get paid?

The average salary for a fiber design engineer ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or with additional certifications in fiber optics and network design.

What are Fiber Design Engineers?

Fiber Design Engineers are professionals who plan, design, and oversee the installation of fiber optic networks for telecommunications, internet, and data services. They create detailed network layouts, select appropriate materials, and ensure designs meet industry standards and client specifications. Their work involves collaborating with construction teams, conducting site surveys, and using specialized software to optimize network performance. Fiber Design Engineers play a crucial role in expanding high-speed internet and communication infrastructure.

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

To thrive as a Fiber Design Engineer, you need a solid background in telecommunications engineering, fiber optic network design, and a relevant degree such as electrical or civil engineering. Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, GIS systems, and knowledge of industry standards (e.g., ITU, ANSI) are typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These capabilities ensure the accurate planning, implementation, and maintenance of reliable, high-performance fiber optic networks.

How much do fiber engineers make?

Fiber Design Engineers typically earn a median salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or with advanced technical knowledge of fiber optic systems.

What does a fiber design engineer do?

A fiber design engineer develops and optimizes optical fiber layouts and systems used in telecommunications and data transmission. They use specialized software and testing tools to ensure fiber performance, durability, and compliance with industry standards, often working closely with manufacturing and installation teams.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most engineering roles do not reach a $500,000 annual salary, some highly specialized or executive-level engineers, such as senior engineering managers or chief engineers in certain industries, can earn this level of compensation. Factors influencing high salaries include extensive experience, advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and working in high-paying sectors like technology or aerospace.
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Fiber Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiber Design Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,323 per year, or $42.5 per hour.
Optical Fiber - Strategic Buyer/Technologist

Optical Fiber - Strategic Buyer/Technologist

AvicenaTech

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Avicena is a privately held company developing microLED based ultra-low power high bandwidth interconnects for chip-to-chip communications. This technology will revolutionize High-Performance (HPC) and Cloud computing, as well as other industries where low power interconnects are critical like camera sensors, autonomous vehicles, and aerospace. Avicena is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with a development center in Edinburgh, Scotland. The company was founded in 2019 by leading technologists from the optical networking industry with a track record of delivering breakthrough products. (www.avicena.tech)
About the role:
Optical Fiber Strategic Buyer: Manage the sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationships for fiber optic cables.
Key responsibilities include managing technical specifications, conducting supplier risk assessments, optimizing cost models, and ensuring supply continuity to meet project requirements.
• Supplier Management: Identify, qualify, and manage key supplier relationships, establishing KPIs for quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Strategic Sourcing: Develop procurement strategies for optical components, including fiber optic cables.
• Negotiation & Contracts: Negotiate pricing and terms & conditions.
• Collaboration: Work with engineering, operations.
• Fiber characterization: measure key parameters
Qualifications:
• 5+ years of proven experience in strategic sourcing, ideally focusing on telecommunications, optical transport, or infrastructure.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of optical fiber design, passive fiber connectivity, silicon photonics, and manufacturing processes.
• Bachelors degree or higher in relevant technical field
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal/communication skills within the company and with partners, customers, and consultants.
• Good to have: Direct lab experience of fiber characterization and performance simulations.

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