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Fiber Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

... sciences. * 3+ years hands-on experience in optical testing and characterization (fiber and/or free-space). * Practical experience with fiber and free-space optic device test methods and common ...

Showing results 21-40

Fiber Science information

See California salary details

$15

$27

$45

How much do fiber science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for fiber science in California is $27.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fiber science?

Fiber science is the study of the physical, chemical, and engineering properties of fibers and their applications in textiles and other materials. It encompasses natural and synthetic fibers, their structure, processing, and performance in various end uses. Professionals in fiber science work to improve fiber materials for use in clothing, technical textiles, composites, and even medical devices. This field combines principles from chemistry, physics, engineering, and materials science to innovate and enhance fiber-based products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fiber scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fiber Scientist, you need a strong background in materials science, chemistry, and textile engineering, often supported by a relevant degree such as a B.S. or M.S. in Fiber Science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical techniques like spectroscopy, and textile testing systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on research and development projects. These skills are crucial for developing innovative fiber materials, ensuring product quality, and advancing textile technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in fiber science roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Fiber Science often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving textile technologies, ensuring materials meet strict performance and sustainability standards, and balancing innovative research with practical manufacturing constraints. To address these challenges, it is important to stay current through industry journals and workshops, collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including engineers and designers, and maintain open communication with suppliers and manufacturers. Being proactive about continuing education and networking can also help Fiber Scientists adapt to new trends and regulatory requirements in the field.

What is the difference between Fiber Science vs Textile Engineering?

AspectFiber ScienceTextile Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Fiber Science, Materials Science, or related fieldsBachelor's in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, fiber production facilities, quality controlManufacturing plants, design studios, production lines
Industry UsageFiber development, quality testing, product innovationTextile manufacturing, machinery design, process optimization

Fiber Science focuses on the study and development of fibers, including their properties and applications, often involving research and quality testing. Textile Engineering emphasizes the design, production, and manufacturing processes of textiles and fabrics. While both roles overlap in materials and industry settings, Fiber Science leans more toward research and development, whereas Textile Engineering centers on production and process engineering.

What can you do with a degree in fiber science?

A degree in fiber science prepares individuals for careers in textile development, quality assurance, product design, and research related to fibers and fabrics. Graduates can work in manufacturing, testing laboratories, or research institutions, often utilizing skills in material analysis, textile technology, and industry standards.

What is a fiber science major?

A fiber science major is an academic program focused on the study of fibers, textiles, and materials used in clothing and other products. It covers topics such as fiber properties, textile manufacturing, and fabric design, often preparing students for careers in textile development, quality control, or product innovation.
Infographic showing various Fiber Science job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,061 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Firmware Engineer - Fibre Channel/NVME Networked-Storage

Irvine, CA • On-site

Broadcom
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Broadcom rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 162 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

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Job Description:

Firmware Engineer - Leader in Fibre Channel/NVME Networked-Storage. As our Firmware Engineer, you will leverage your dynamic skills in a team-oriented environment where you will be appreciated for your valuable contributions throughout the development process. You will contribute to the advancement of innovative technology by designing, developing, debugging and testing embedded firmware for cutting-edge networking and networked-storage products. You will function both in an individual capacity and work alongside a team of world-class engineers depending on the scale of the assigned task. For the engineer who wants to help advance forward new technology, Broadcom ECD offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a chance to accelerate your career in a growing industry. Broadcom ECD, the leader in storage networking solutions, provides enterprise-class connectivity for servers, networks and storage devices within the data center. Our product portfolio of Fibre Channel host bus adapters, controllers, embedded bridges and switches, and connectivity management software are proven, tested and trusted by the world's largest and most demanding IT environments. Our solutions are used and offered by the industry's leading server and storage OEMs.

You will join our firmware team and develop and test Broadcom ECD's state-of-the art 64G FC/NVME HBA products. Specifically, you will be charged with firmware design, implementation, testing and target-mode and error-recovery support. Your skills and abilities will shine in this role as you work closely with cross-functional teams across multiple sites to support custom firmware features. Your knowledge in executing test cases, creating test scripts, and supporting development initiatives for embedded systems and firmware will also be essential to your success.


The skills and experience now in your career toolbox include:
- Embedded-firmware development experience, including C / Assembly programming - Proficiency in a real-time OS environment
- Protocol analyzers for FC, NVME and/or PCIe - Solid debugging skills, ideally with In-Circuit Emulation (ICE) debuggers
- Storage and network protocol development in a Linux environment.
- Experience developing and tuning ARM-based high-performance firmware is ideal; however, other microprocessor experience will apply for the engineer who has the desire to learn ARM. Automated test script development
- Excellent communication and documentation skills will enable you to articulate your test results to the team and our OEM clients. The ability to follow software development processes for designing, documenting, coding and bug tracking.
- Overall, we are looking for a mindset, not just a skill set, and your pro-active approach to problem solving, attention to detail, focus on quality and team-player attitude will be essential in establishing yourself as a valued team member.

Requirements:
BS degree in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering and 2+ years related experience
Or MS degree in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering and 0 + years related experience.


Compensation and Benefits


The annual base salary range for this position is USD To USD

As a valued member of our team, you'll be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and the opportunity to receive not only a competitive new hire equity grant, but also annual equity awards, connecting your success directly to the company's growth. All subject to relevant plan documents and award agreements.


Broadcom offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401(K) participation including company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company paid holidays, paid sick leave and vacation time. The company follows all applicable laws for Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.


Broadcom is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability status, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We will also consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records consistent with local law.


If you are located outside USA, please be sure to fill out a home address as this will be used for future correspondence.


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