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Optical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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

Principal Optical Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Principal Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong ... Fiber optics * Lasers * Optical system characterization and testing * Opto-mechanics * Experience ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$151K - $236K/yr

Principal Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong ... Fiber optics * Lasers * Optical system characterization and testing * Opto-mechanics * Experience ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong ... Free-space optics (free-space and fiber) * Modulators * Electronics * Lasers * Optical system ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong ... Free-space optics (free-space and fiber) * Modulators * Electronics * Lasers * Optical system ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong ... Free-space optics (free-space and fiber) * Modulators * Electronics * Lasers * Optical system ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong ... Free-space optics (free-space and fiber) * Modulators * Electronics * Lasers * Optical system ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Maynard, MA ยท On-site

$77K - $99K/yr

Job Requirements Collaborate with Design Engineering from conceptual stage of product through ... with optical fiber handling, cleaning, splicing, and routing. Why Cisco? At Cisco, we're ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Fiber Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$90.2K

$156K

$183K

How much do optical fiber engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical fiber engineer in Boston, MA is $156,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,100.00 and $181,400.00 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 Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Optical Fiber Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Fiber Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,019 per year, or $75 per hour.

Senior Optical Engineer

nLIGHT

Marlborough, MA โ€ข On-site

$40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made but also changing the things that can be made.

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

Summary

The Senior Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced, high-power, fiber amplifiers and lasers for communication and defense applications.In this position you will develop next-generation fiber laser products in a fast-growing, vertically integrated company while also taking products from concept phase through prototypes to product release as a core member of a small and agile interdisciplinary R&D team. This position will be onsite in the Greater-Boston area and will report to the Director of Engineering.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to a cross-functional team pursuing the development of novel fiber amplifier and fiber laser designs
  • Manage critical development and program tasks and take ownership of key technical areas
  • Support agile R&D to rapidly develop prototypes with hands-on assembly and testing
  • Apply theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers, non-linear and diffractive optics, and opto-mechanical design to the development of high energy lasers for military/defense applications and fiber amplifiers for space applications
  • Play a key role in the development, assembly, integration, and test of optical communication and High Energy Laser systems
  • Test and characterization of complex, laser-based, opto-mechanical systems
  • Define requirements, interfaces, and system layouts in collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams
  • Design verification, acceptance testing, and environmental qualification strategies
  • Provide technical oversight for procurement, assembly, integration, and test of prototype and production hardware
  • Work remotely with teams at other sites nLIGHT including WA, OR, CO
  • Occasional travel to work in person with colleagues at other sites, for field trials, and to assist in transfer to manufacturing. Estimated travel up to 15%.

Minimum Qualifications

  • BS in Physics, Optical Engineering, Material Science, or a related engineering discipline required. MS or PhD Preferred
  • 8+ years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of graduate education and work experience
  • Hands on experience with development of fiber and/or solid-state lasers and amplifiers, optics, and/or opto-mechanical systems
  • Expertise in diffractive and non-linear optics with hands on experience utilizing or mitigating
  • Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, including problem identification, data analysis, action planning, and execution
  • Strong theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers and their associated optics
  • Ability to summarize and present results and conclusions clearly and effectively
  • Ability to work as both a leader and contributor

Preferred Experience

  • Experience designing complex opto-mechanical systems for military or defense applications
  • Fiber laser system design and modeling experience, including practical considerations such as manufacturability

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary level based on qualifications

Other Compensation and Benefits

  • Target Cash Bonus of 6% of earned wages
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance

nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).

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, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster:Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 orHR@nlight.net.

E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

For more information, please review the following notices:

  • E-Verify Participation Poster
  • Right to Work Poster
Employment Type: Full-Time Regular