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Fiber Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Are you a fiber process expert who thrives on turning lab-scale innovation into industrial reality ... We're looking for a R&T Spinning Engineer who's passionate about scaling innovation and driving ...

... Engineer. At MSC, you'll be part of the Research & Development team servicing the Department of ... Advanced materials include fiber reinforced composite materials, specialty polymers, and additive ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Tallassee, AL · On-site

$61K - $79K/yr

Experience with composite materials or equivalent engineered materials (e.g., fiber-reinforced polymers, laminates, or hybrid structures) in a manufacturing or product development environment. * U.S.

Manufacturing Engineer, Fabrication

Madison, AL · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

As a Manufacturing Engineer supporting our sheet metal fabrication operations, you will play a key ... Fiber Laser Cutting Equipment * CNC Press Brakes * Automated Panel Benders * Sheet Metal Forming ...

Showing results 21-40

Fiber Engineer information

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$21

$38

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How much do fiber engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for fiber engineer in Alabama is $39.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.39 and $45.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a fiber engineer do?

A Fiber Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting fiber optic networks used for telecommunications and data transmission. Their work includes planning fiber routes, configuring network equipment, testing signal quality, and repairing faults in fiber optic cables. They often collaborate with construction teams, service providers, and other engineers to ensure efficient and reliable network connectivity. Fiber Engineers play a crucial role in expanding high-speed internet infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fiber engineer?

To thrive as a Fiber Engineer, you need expertise in fiber optic network design, installation, troubleshooting, and a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with tools like OTDRs, splicing machines, GIS mapping software, and certifications such as FOA CFOT or BICSI are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in coordinating with teams and ensuring precise network implementations. These competencies are crucial for building reliable, high-performance fiber networks that meet safety, quality, and client standards.

What does a typical project timeline look like for a fiber engineer, and how does the role interact with other teams during deployment?

As a Fiber Engineer, project timelines can vary depending on the scale and complexity of the network build, but typically involve phases such as site surveys, network design, permitting, installation, and testing. Throughout these stages, Fiber Engineers collaborate closely with project managers, construction crews, and network operations teams to ensure smooth deployment. Regular coordination meetings and clear communication are essential to address challenges like permitting delays or site access issues. This collaborative environment helps ensure that projects stay on schedule and meet quality standards.

What is the difference between Fiber Engineer vs Fiber Technician?

AspectFiber EngineerFiber Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications like FOA Fiber Optic TechnicianHigh school diploma or equivalent, certifications like FOA Fiber Optic Technician
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and overseeing fiber optic projects, often office-based or site visitsInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber optic cables, on-site work
Employer & IndustryTelecommunications companies, network providers, engineering firmsTelecom companies, contractors, service providers

Fiber Engineers focus on designing and planning fiber optic networks, requiring technical engineering skills and certifications. Fiber Technicians handle installation and maintenance, working directly in the field. Both roles are essential in the fiber optic industry but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

How much do fiber engineers make?

Fiber engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in areas with high demand for fiber optic infrastructure.

How much does a fiber engineer get paid?

Fiber engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often working in field environments with tools like OTDRs and splicing equipment.

What job categories do people searching Fiber Engineer jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Fiber Engineer jobs in Alabama are:

Infographic showing various Fiber Engineer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,118 per year, or $39 per hour.

Software/Firmware Engineer

Huntsville, AL • On-site

IPG Photonics
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


IPG Photonics rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

IPG Defense, a stand-alone business of IPG Photonics, was incorporated in 2026 to provide direct support for defense products. Headquartered in Huntsville, AL, IPG Defense is bringing commercial scale to laser defense systems, leveraging IPG Photonics' 36 years of experience in fiber laser technology. Our mission: develop and deliver the most advanced, next-generation laser defense solutions for military and civilian use - systems that accurately and reliably detect, track, target, and neutralize threats.
IPG Photonics is the world's leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers and amplifiers for diverse applications in numerous markets. Founded in 1990, IPG pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based lasers - a critical technology in our high-energy laser (HEL) systems, including the CROSSBOW program.
Your skills and experience will play a key role in shaping our growing organization, building our capabilities, and delivering on our mission. Join us and build a career that will shape the future of laser defense.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Software/Firmware Engineer plays a hands-on role in designing and implementing embedded control software for complex laser assemblies and beam-delivery subsystems. This position focuses on ARM-based processing, deterministic control, and low-latency communication to enable real-time power modulation, safety interlocks, and mission reliability in harsh environments. This opening targets a mid-level engineer; junior and senior candidates may also be considered, with level determined by experience and qualifications.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Design, implement, and validate embedded firmware for laser, thermal, and beam-control subsystems.
  • Develop deterministic state-machine logic governing interlocks, firing sequences, and subsystem coordination.
  • Implement and tune digital control loops, including PID and feed-forward control, and validate loop performance using frequency-response (Bode) analysis.
  • Create and maintain real-time communication links between embedded controllers and higher-level command software.
  • Support board bring-up, hardware-software integration, and debugging using lab instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers).
  • Develop unit and integration tests and contribute to version control and continuous-integration practices for firmware.
  • Collaborate closely with optical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration across the full directed-energy platform.
  • Conduct firmware verification, configuration control, and field testing per MIL-STD requirements.
  • Support documentation, cybersecurity, and sustainment of deployed systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 3-7 years of experience developing embedded systems or real-time firmware (junior and senior candidates considered at the appropriate level).
  • Proficiency in C/C++ and experience with STM32 or similar ARM Cortex microcontrollers.
  • Strong understanding of RTOS concepts, deterministic timing, and hardware-software integration.
  • Experience implementing closed-loop control in firmware (PID, feed-forward) and analyzing loop behavior (e.g., Bode/frequency response).
  • Experience with embedded communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or Ethernet).
  • Hands-on embedded debugging and board bring-up experience.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Active DoD security clearance.
  • Experience with laser power supply control, photonics instrumentation, or directed-energy systems.
  • Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553, CAN, or EtherCAT communication.
  • Familiarity with real-time Linux, FreeRTOS, or Zephyr.
  • Experience with CI/CD for embedded software and hardware-in-the-loop test automation.
  • Familiarity with secure-coding practices and DFARS/NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Primarily lab and office environment; occasional use of PPE and laser-safety eyewear required.

WHY JOIN IPG DEFENSE
  • Work at the forefront of directed-energy and photonics innovation on systems that matter to national security.
  • Vertically integrated technology: we design and build our own lasers, giving engineers end-to-end ownership from component to fielded system.
  • Small, expert, fast-moving team in Huntsville, AL - one of the nation's fastest-growing aerospace and defense hubs.
  • Career growth through hands-on work across the full product lifecycle: concept, prototype, integration, field test, and production.
  • Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package - see Compensation & Benefits below.

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