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Optical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Lightera

Draw Process Engineer

Sturbridge, MA

Optical fiber manufacturing background preferred. * LEAN/Six Sigma manufacturing experience or certifications. * Electrical, programming, and mechanical design skills are helpful in this role.

LIGHTERA

Draw Process Engineer

Sturbridge, MA · On-site

Optical fiber manufacturing background preferred. * LEAN/Six Sigma manufacturing experience or certifications. * Electrical, programming, and mechanical design skills are helpful in this role.

Belcan

Fiber Optic Specialist

Somerville, MA

$38 - $48/hr

... optical testing equipment, and fiber assembly techniques. This position will support manufacturing and R&D initiatives while collaborating with engineering teams to develop, test, and improve complex ...

Belcan

Fiber Optic Specialist

Somerville, MA · On-site

$38 - $48/hr

... optical testing equipment, and fiber assembly techniques. This position will support manufacturing and R&D initiatives while collaborating with engineering teams to develop, test, and improve complex ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$130K - $170K/yr

Fiber optics * Modulators * Electro-optics * Lasers * Optical system characterization and testing * Strong hands-on laboratory skills (e.g. assembly, alignment, cleaning, testing) * Experience ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Fiber optics * Modulators * Electro-optics * Lasers * Optical system characterization and testing * Strong hands-on laboratory skills (e.g. assembly, alignment, cleaning, testing) * Experience ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial ... Summary The Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced fiber amplifiers and fiber ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Marlborough, MA

$40/hr

We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial ... Summary The Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced fiber amplifiers and fiber ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$40/hr

We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial ... Summary The Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced fiber amplifiers and fiber ...

Judge Group, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer We are seeking a talented Optical Engineer to contribute to the development ... Fiber optics * Optical modulators * Electro-optic systems * Laser systems * Optical system ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Build, mount, and align free-space and fiber optical setups on the bench, working from procedures and with guidance from senior engineers. * Assemble and integrate optical subsystems--handling ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Build, mount, and align free-space and fiber optical setups on the bench, working from procedures and with guidance from senior engineers. * Assemble and integrate optical subsystems--handling ...

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Optical Fiber Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$90.6K

$156.8K

$184K

How much do optical fiber engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical fiber engineer in Massachusetts is $156,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,900.00 and $182,400.00 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 Massachusetts?

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

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

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

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

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

Optical Fiber Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Fiber Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,841 per year, or $75.4 per hour.

OPTICAL ENGINEER III - FIBER LASER

West Springfield, MA • On-site

Lumibird USA
See more jobs at Lumibird USAexternal

$125K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

OPTICAL ENGINEER III - FIBER LASER

Drawing on 50 years of experience, Lumibird designs, manufactures, and distributes laser solutions for scientific, industrial, and medical use from its various sites in the USA and abroad (France, Italy, Slovenia, Sweden, Australia, etc.). Distinguished by its expertise, numerous patents, steady growth, and a workforce spanning roles from production operators to research scientists, the Lumibird Group currently employs over 1,000 people worldwide. Firmly committed to sustainable development, the Lumibird Group contributes to the ecological and social transition by implementing an ambitious CSR policy.

To support our expanding operations, we are currently seeking candidates for our West Springfield, Massachusetts site.

JOB SUMMARY:
Optical Engineer III supports the development, testing, troubleshooting, and productization of high-power CW/QCW fiber laser systems for medical and industrial applications.
This role focuses on practical fiber laser development, including optical fiber handling, fiber preparation, splicing, laser assembly, optical testing, beam characterization, performance analysis, and product-level troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with optical fiber and laser systems, solid knowledge of fiber laser physics, and the ability to use optical and electrical test equipment to evaluate laser performance.
This position requires regular work with laser hardware, optical fibers, high-power optical components, and test equipment. The engineer must be able to work independently, analyze technical issues in a structured manner, document results clearly, and help maintain an organized, safe, and efficient laser lab.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support the development, assembly, testing, and optimization of high-power CW/QCW fiber laser systems and optical subassemblies.
  • Perform optical fiber preparation, including stripping, cleaning, cleaving, splicing, routing, inspection, fiber protection, and use of related fiber handling equipment and tools.
  • Work with fiber laser components such as active fibers, passive fibers, FBGs, pump combiners, fiber-coupled diodes, delivery fibers, and high-power fiber assemblies.
  • Use optical and electrical test equipment such as power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, beam profilers, thermal sensors, current/voltage monitors, and similar instruments.
  • Characterize laser performance, including output power, spectrum, efficiency, pulse behavior, power stability, thermal behavior, beam size, divergence, pointing behavior, and beam quality.
  • Perform near-field and far-field beam profile measurements and analyze beam behavior under different operating conditions.
  • Troubleshoot optical, fiber, thermal, electrical, and system-level issues using a structured analytical approach, including test planning, data analysis, and root-cause identification.
  • Support testing related to back-reflection sensitivity, optical feedback, thermal effects, mode behavior, long-term stability, reliability, and high-power laser failure modes.
  • Support failure analysis, corrective actions, design improvements, process improvements, production transfer, and product repeatability.
  • Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including test reports, work instructions, test procedures, acceptance criteria, design evaluations, and failure analysis reports.
  • Help maintain an organized, safe, and efficient laser lab, including proper storage of optical components, fibers, tools, fixtures, samples, and test equipment.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related technical field.
  • If recent graduate, then Masters or PhD or equivalent working experience preferred.
  • Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience with fiber optics, fiber lasers, laser systems, optical testing, or related photonics laboratory work.
  • Experience with high-power CW/QCW fiber lasers, thulium-doped fiber lasers, or other rare-earth-doped fiber laser systems is preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
  • Strong hands-on experience with optical fiber handling, including stripping, cleaning, cleaving, splicing, routing, inspection, fiber protection, and use of related fiber handling equipment and tools.
  • Working knowledge of fiber laser physics, including laser cavity behavior, gain, pump absorption, thermal effects, optical feedback, back-reflection sensitivity, and power stability.
  • Experience using optical and electrical test equipment such as power meters, OSAs, oscilloscopes, beam profilers, thermal sensors, current/voltage monitors, or similar instruments.
  • Ability to characterize laser performance, including output power, spectrum, efficiency, pulse behavior, stability, beam size, pointing behavior, divergence, and beam quality.
  • Strong analytical troubleshooting skills for optical, fiber, thermal, and laser system-level issues.
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining good lab safety, documentation, and organization.
  • Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, applicable CAD tools, etc).
PREFERRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
  • Experience with large-mode-area fibers, pump/signal combiners, FBGs, end caps, free-space optics, or high-power fiber delivery systems.
  • Familiarity with high-power laser failure modes, including fiber damage, thermal instability, mode behavior, back reflection, and component contamination.
  • Experience supporting product development, design improvements, production transfer, reliability testing, or failure analysis.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be capable of working in front of a computer screen for long periods of time.
  • Standing and working at optical tables in laser labs for extended periods of time.
  • Good close-up vision for inspecting optics and other laser components.
  • Ability to use fingers and hands to manipulate small objects.

Lumibird Photonics USA Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We consider applicants for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation and any other legally protected status.

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