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

Manufacturing Engineer

Maynard, MA · 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 ...

... optical fiber, optical amplifiers, etc. * Familiarity with the Python programming language is ... preferred. * Experience testing photonic integrated circuits is a plus. * Familiarity with wafer ...

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... You'll apply quality engineering principles and statistical methods to ensure products meet ...

Senior Field Technician

Boston, MA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

... optical fiber systems. * Executing insertion loss, OTDR, BER, and other key network performance tests. * Partnering with senior network engineers remotely to configure and verify deployed systems.

Showing results 41-60

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.

Scientific Production Engineer

IPG Photonics

Marlborough, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


IPG Photonics rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 30 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.
Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.
Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.
Position Summary
The Scientific Production Engineer supports the development, assembly, characterization, production, and continuous improvement of state-of-the-art single-frequency fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers for scientific and industrial research applications. The position serves as a technical interface between R&D and Manufacturing, supporting the transition of advanced photonic technologies into reliable, repeatable production.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Support development, assembly, integration, testing, and characterization of single-frequency fiber lasers and optical amplifiers.
  • Support transition of R&D technologies into production by developing assembly processes, test methods, qualification procedures, and documentation.
  • Support comprehensive optical and electrical characterization, including output power, spectral performance, linewidth, polarization extinction ratio, beam quality, stability, relative intensity noise, environmental performance, and other standard and custom tests.
  • Investigate complex technical issues using systematic root-cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
  • Develop and improve manufacturing processes, test procedures, acceptance criteria, and engineering documentation.
  • Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Applications, and Service organizations to resolve technical issues.
  • Provide technical guidance and training to R&D and Production Technicians and, where applicable, provide day-to-day technical supervision of a team of 5-6 technicians.
  • Maintain laboratory test systems and measurement equipment and ensure compliance with quality and laser safety requirements.

Technical Expertise
  • Single-frequency fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers
  • Precision fiber fusion splicing
  • Laser characterization and metrology
  • Optical and electronic test equipment
  • Electronic control systems
  • Failure analysis and root-cause investigation

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a closely related technical field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience:
  • Up to 5 years of relevant engineering experience in fiber optics, photonics, lasers, optical systems, or related R&D/manufacturing environments is required, together with demonstrated technical leadership, work coordination, and troubleshooting experience.
  • Hands-on experience with fiber-optic assembly, fusion splicing, laser characterization, troubleshooting, is strongly preferred.

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