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Optical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Telecom / Fiber Systems Engineer Our client is seeking an experienced Telecom / Fiber Systems ... If you thrive in data center environments and excel at passive optical design, this role offers an ...

Fiber Splicing Construction Manager

Creedmoor, TX · On-site

$24.50 - $29.25/hr

... fiber optic projects. * Develop and maintain project schedules, staffing plans, and resource allocations. * Coordinate with project managers, construction supervisors, engineering teams, and ...

Sourcing Manager, Fiber & Optics

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$199K - $262K/yr

Own the fiber and optics category: transceivers, fiber cabling, and connectivity components at ... You've qualified second-source components and managed the engineering skepticism that comes with it.

... optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry ... Lead design engineering efforts, coordinating CAD, simulation, prototyping, and testing resources

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... Lead design engineering efforts, coordinating CAD, simulation, prototyping, and testing resources

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... Lead design engineering efforts, coordinating CAD, simulation, prototyping, and testing resources

Senior Optical DC Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Primarily focused on the development and support of high‑speed fiber optic network fabric links ... programming skills. As OCI is a cloud‑based network with a global footprint, this support will ...

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Optical Fiber Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$82.3K

$142.3K

$167K

How much do optical fiber engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical fiber engineer in Austin, TX is $142,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,900.00 and $165,500.00 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 Austin, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Optical Fiber Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Fiber Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,348 per year, or $68.4 per hour.

Fiber Optic Testing Technician - Expanded Beam Optics

3M

Austin, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago


3M rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military environments to a 3M career.

The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a testing technician in 3M's Expanded Beam Optics Business, you will have the opportunity to leverage your curiosity and collaborate with innovative professionals worldwide. You will play a pivotal role in driving growth and making a significant impact through customer collaboration, new application development, and product commercialization. Here, you will make an impact by:

  • Building new types of optical fiber connector assemblies and testing their performance using detailed work procedures and test methods
  • Working with other technicians and engineers to efficiently make and test connector samples for experimental investigations
  • Document test results and assist with data summarization and preparation of final reports
  • Utilizing strong communication skills to inspire, influence, and collaborate with other team members

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

  • High School diploma/GED or higher (completed and verified prior to start)
  • One (1) year of experience working in laboratory, pilot line, or manufacturing facility
  • Able to pay attention to detail and follow detailed written work procedures
  • Able to work with hands to assemble small parts with color identification
  • Able to work on site daily from 7 am- 4 pm
  • Able to utilize Microsoft Excel for data input, formatting, and analysis

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

  • Experience working in an engineering or telecommunication laboratory or production facility
  • Experience with handling and assembling fiber optic connectors
  • Experience with automated fiber optic connector assembly equipment
  • Experience with optical testing of fiber optic connectors
  • Experience cleaving optical fibers

Location: On-site in Austin, TX

Hourly: Non-exempt

Travel: Not authorized

Relocation Assistance: Not authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Supporting Your Well-being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.

Chat with Max

For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.

All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

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