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Optical Fiber Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lightera

Optical Fiber Scientist

Somerset, NJ

$17 - $22.75/hr

Optical Fiber Scientist Lightera has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more ...

LIGHTERA

Optical Fiber Scientist

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Optical Fiber Scientist Lightera has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more ...

Amat

Optical Fiber Packaging Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$176K - $242K/yr

The Optical Fiber Packaging Engineer is to lead optical fiber package development from ideation to prototype and production for high performance interconnect project. The job requires providing ...

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How much do optical fiber jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical fiber in the United States is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do fiber optic techs make?

Fiber optic technicians typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced techs with specialized skills can earn higher wages and overtime pay in the field.

Is fiber optics a good career?

Fiber optics is a viable career that involves installing, maintaining, and repairing fiber optic communication systems. It requires technical skills, knowledge of networking, and often certification, with job opportunities in telecommunications, internet service providers, and data centers. The field offers steady demand due to the ongoing expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure.

How much do you get paid to lay fiber optic cable?

Fiber optic cable installers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled workers with specialized tools and safety training may earn higher wages, especially in areas with high demand for broadband infrastructure.

What is the difference between Optical Fiber vs Cable Installer?

AspectOptical FiberCable Installer
Required CertificationsFiber optic certification, OSHA safety trainingGeneral electrical or construction safety certifications
Work EnvironmentIndoor/outdoor, telecommunications facilities, data centersResidential, commercial buildings, outdoor utility lines
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providersTelecommunications, cable TV, internet providers
Job FocusInstalling, splicing, testing fiber optic cablesInstalling, routing, and connecting various cables

Optical Fiber technicians specialize in installing and maintaining fiber optic cables used for high-speed data transmission, requiring specific certifications and working mainly in telecommunications environments. Cable Installers focus on installing various types of cables, including coaxial and Ethernet, in residential and commercial settings. While both roles involve cable installation, optical fiber work emphasizes precision and specialized skills for fiber optics, whereas cable installers handle broader cable types in diverse environments.

What tech jobs pay $400,000 a year?

In the field of optical fiber and related technology, senior roles such as optical engineering managers, director-level positions, or specialized R&D leads can reach or exceed $400,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High-level positions often require strong technical skills, project management, and industry expertise, typically found in large corporations or specialized firms.
More about Optical Fiber jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Fiber jobs? Cities with the most Optical Fiber job openings:
What states have the most Optical Fiber jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Fiber jobs include:
Optical Fiber jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Fiber job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Optical Fiber Scientist

Lightera

Somerset, NJ

$17 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Optical Fiber Scientist

Lightera has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago. We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application-specific optical fibers, connectors, cables, amplifiers and lasers, sensors and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and delivering the best optical fibers, cables, and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To continue shaping the future of communications we apply the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

We are currently seeking an Optical Fiber Scientist to join our division located in Somerset, NJ.

The Optical Fiber Scientist position will test and design the transmission behavior and performance of fiber-based technology, including optical fiber amplifiers and next generation transmission fibers. The position will likely include interfacing with customers, applications engineering, and development of fiber and fiber-based devices.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Conduct innovative research in optical fiber technology, particularly in the area of data transmission, fiber amplification and distributed sensing.
  • Disseminate information at technical conferences and through direct communication with key customers.
  • Conceive, design and assemble transmission system testing related to the performance of fiber products
  • Contribute to external publications
  • Generate intellectual property
  • Work with the optical fiber fabrication team to provide input on improved fiber designs
  • Interface with teams developing fiber related components, including fiber sensors, telecommunications devices, and fiber amplifiers
  • Assist in establishing and executing an R&D program to support Lightera manufacturing sites, including synthesis of a long-term technology roadmap
  • Contribute to and eventually lead the development of new products
  • Provide technical support and applications engineering to marketing and sales teams and assist in promoting Lightera expertise and understanding new business opportunities
  • Work with customers to demonstrate improved optical fiber products.
  • Perform other related duties as required by management

Key qualifications include:

  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Expertise in waveguide photonics, optical fiber amplifiers, transmission theory, systems architecture, and related disciplines
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, preferably as demonstrated by past publications or presentations
  • Demonstrated laboratory experience working with optical components and optical fibers
  • Lab automation, computer skills and proficiency with AI tools
  • Ability to understand and perform optical simulations
  • Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and work effectively with minimal supervision
  • Proficient with MS Office Word and Excel
  • Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
  • Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
  • Conform to all aspects of Lightera's "Standards of Conduct" document

Working at Lightera means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement and a matching 401(k) plan.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply online at http://www.lightera.com/careers. Submissions must include salary information.

Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted.

Lightera, a Georgia based global company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.

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