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Optical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Point Broadband

Fiber Technician - OSP

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

Test and troubleshoot fiber using an OTDR, optical power meter, fiber identifier and scope. * Provide the OSP Engineers with detailed reports of field splicing activity. * Work on call rotation ...

Point Broadband

Fiber Technician - OSP

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

Test and troubleshoot fiber using an OTDR, optical power meter, fiber identifier and scope. * Provide the OSP Engineers with detailed reports of field splicing activity. * Work on call rotation ...

shentel

Fiber Technician I

Gettysburg, PA · On-site

Ability to read, understand, and follow engineering drawings/schematics. * Ability to complete Light Brigade Certification, or relevant certification: Fiber Optics 1-2-3. * Meticulous attention to ...

KBR

Sr. Optical Designer /Analyst

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$142K - $214K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer will be located onsite, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. **MUST be U.S ... Knowledge of detectors, detector systems, fiber optics and the design and development of laser ...

KBR, Inc.

Sr. Optical Designer /Analyst

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$142K - $214K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer will be located onsite, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. **MUST be U.S ... Knowledge of detectors, detector systems, fiber optics and the design and development of laser ...

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All JobsOptical Fiber Engineer JobsOptical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Maryland

Optical Fiber Engineer information

See Maryland salary details

$80.6K

$139.4K

$163.5K

How much do optical fiber engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical fiber engineer in Maryland is $139,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,200.00 and $162,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical fiber engineer do?

An Optical Fiber Engineer specializes in the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber optic communication systems. They work on laying fiber optic cables, configuring optical network equipment, and ensuring optimal data transmission over long distances. Optical Fiber Engineers are essential for supporting high-speed internet, telecommunications, and data connectivity in various industries. Their responsibilities also include testing fiber connections, maintaining network reliability, and adhering to safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical fiber engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Fiber Engineer, you need strong knowledge of fiber optic theory, network design, and installation practices, often backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like OTDRs, splicing machines, CAD software, and certifications such as FOA CFOT are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help engineers excel in troubleshooting and project coordination. These skills ensure reliable, high-performance network installations and maintenance, which are critical for modern communications infrastructure.

What are some common challenges optical fiber engineers face during large-scale network deployments?

Optical Fiber Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, navigating difficult terrain for cable installation, and ensuring minimal signal loss over long distances. They must also manage tight project timelines and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the role frequently involves troubleshooting issues in collaboration with field technicians, project managers, and network planners.

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

AspectOptical Fiber EngineerOptical Network Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in telecommunications, electrical engineering, or related field; certifications like FOA or Cisco CCNAHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications such as FOA Fiber Optic Technician
Work EnvironmentDesign, plan, and oversee fiber optic installations; office and fieldworkInstall, maintain, and repair fiber optic networks; primarily fieldwork
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providers, data centersTelecom companies, ISPs, network service providers

While both roles involve working with fiber optics, Optical Fiber Engineers focus on designing and planning fiber optic systems, whereas Optical Network Technicians handle installation and maintenance. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the fiber optics industry.

Are optical fiber engineers in high demand?

Optical fiber engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing expansion of telecommunications infrastructure and the need for high-speed data transmission. They typically require specialized skills in fiber optic installation, testing, and maintenance, and job opportunities are expected to grow as demand for faster internet and 5G networks increases.

How much do optical fiber engineers get paid?

Optical fiber engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in areas with high demand for telecommunications infrastructure.

How much does an optical fiber engineer make?

The average salary for an optical fiber engineer typically 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 areas with high demand for telecommunications infrastructure.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Maryland?

For Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Optical Fiber Engineer job openings:

Optical Fiber Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Fiber Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,380 per year, or $67 per hour.

Components Engineer - Fiber Optics & Optical Systems

Apex Systems

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$128K - $165K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job#: 3047649
Job Description:
Component Engineer (Fiber Optics & Optical Systems)
Location: Linthicum, MD
Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required
Schedule: Full-Time | Onsite
Overview
Our client is seeking a Component Engineer to support the management, qualification, selection, and lifecycle planning of fiber optic, opto-electronic, and optical components used in advanced engineering programs. This role offers an opportunity to work closely with design engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and external suppliers to ensure the long-term success and reliability of critical hardware solutions.
The ideal candidate will have deep technical knowledge of optical and fiber optic components, strong cross-functional leadership skills, and experience supporting component lifecycle management, obsolescence planning, supplier engagement, and engineering change processes.
Key Responsibilities
  • Manage the selection, qualification, and lifecycle support of fiber optic, opto-electronic, and optical components.
  • Prepare and review technical data packages for Design Team and Configuration Control Board (CCB) reviews.
  • Generate and review screening and qualification test plans for component approval activities.
  • Analyze and identify alternate components to address obsolescence, long lead times, and component standardization initiatives.
  • Support DMSMS (Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages) and end-of-life (EOL) management activities.
  • Maintain ownership of component requirements and approved component selections across supported programs.
  • Lead new component requests, approvals, and component drawing development activities.
  • Support failure investigations, Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) reviews, and problem resolution efforts.
  • Ensure component authenticity, traceability, environmental suitability, and program compliance requirements.
  • Chair commodity review teams responsible for evaluating component usage across commercial, industrial, military, and space-grade applications.
  • Manage multiple priorities and coordinate cross-functional activities to meet program schedules and objectives.
  • Develop and maintain component technology roadmaps and long-term component strategies.
  • Influence system architecture and performance decisions through technical trade studies and engineering recommendations.
  • Support major engineering milestones, including design reviews and technical assessments.
  • Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and engineering teams to identify and implement optimal technical solutions.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or another STEM-related discipline with 12+ years of experience, OR
  • Master's degree with 10+ years of experience, OR
  • PhD with 8+ years of experience.
    • An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Minimum 6 years of experience working with fiber optic, opto-electronic, and/or optical components and systems.
  • Experience leading technical reviews, presentations, and small engineering teams.
  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional organizations, including:
    • Design Engineering
    • Manufacturing Engineering
    • Production Engineering
    • Quality Engineering
    • Supply Chain
    • Procurement
  • Strong technical understanding of component lifecycle management and engineering change processes.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 8+ years of engineering experience supporting fiber optic, opto-electronic, and optical components and systems.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Geometric optics
    • Physical optics
    • Fiber optic fundamentals
  • Experience establishing component qualification standards, acceptance criteria, validation methodologies, and best practices.
  • Hands-on experience with optical metrology, testing, inspection, and measurement equipment.
  • Experience developing engineering processes, standards, and technology roadmaps.
  • Experience evaluating suppliers and participating in technical negotiations.
  • Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) tools such as Siemens Teamcenter or similar platforms.
  • Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements, including:
    • Specialty Metals
    • Counterfeit Part Prevention
    • Conflict Minerals
  • Knowledge of industry standards including:
    • ISO
    • IEC
    • Telcordia
    • IPC
    • VITA
    • JEDEC
    • MIL-STD
    • NASA standards
  • Strong understanding of system-level optical performance, tolerance analysis, and integration tradeoffs.
  • Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.
Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at
Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.
Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.
If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at or . Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.
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