1

Optical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Matawan, NJ (NOW HIRING)

... or PhD) in Engineering, Optics, Physics, or related field * Experience in handling, characterizing and performing data analysis on optical fibers * Experience with high-power fiber lasers and ...

... or PhD) in Engineering, Optics, Physics, or related field * Experience in handling, characterizing and performing data analysis on optical fibers * Experience with high-power fiber lasers and ...

D. degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., electrical engineering, physics, computer science) with a specialization in optical metrology, fiber sensing, or fiber optics communication.

D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline. Experience * 8-15 years of experience inhigh powerfiber lasers * Demonstrated excellence in experimental optical ...

M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline. Experience * 8-15 years of experience in high power fiber lasers * Demonstrated excellence in ...

Ciena's xPO Micro-Optics Team is driving the future of high-speed connectivity by developing ... fiber-optic design, assembly, and prototyping. * C# programming skills for automation and ...

R&D Engineer

Somerset, NJ

$100K - $120K/yr

Interface with teams developing fiber laser components such as optical fibers, fiber Bragg gratings ... Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Optics, Physics, Physical Chemistry, or related field

Customer Experience Specialist

New York, NY ยท On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

We deliver fiber-optic internet and network services to businesses with no contracts, backed by a ... Engineering) to ensure our customers are regularly updated. * Coordinate customer upgrades and ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Fiber Engineer information

See Matawan, NJ salary details

$85.8K

$148.4K

$174.1K

How much do optical fiber engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical fiber engineer in Matawan, NJ is $148,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,300.00 and $172,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 cities near Matawan, NJ are hiring for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs?

Cities near Matawan, NJ with the most Optical Fiber Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Fiber Engineer job openings in Matawan, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,381 per year, or $71.3 per hour.

Optical Scientist

Lightera

Somerset, NJ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Job description

Lightera has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago. We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application-specific optical fibers, connectors, cables, amplifiers and lasers, sensors and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and delivering the best optical fibers, cables, and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To continue shaping the future of communications we apply the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

We are currently seeking an Optical Scientist to join Lightera Laboratories, our corporate R&D facility in Somerset NJ, to join a team that designs, fabricates, tests and prototypes innovative technology that serves the medical, industrial, aerospace, and telecommunications fields.The ideal candidate will advance our high power fiber laser portfolio, requiring the ability to identify and solve technical problems, both independently and as part of a team, in developing new products and new manufacturing processes. Significant aspects of the position include conducting experiments, analyzing data, improving and designing equipment and advanced prototypes, and interfacing with manufacturing.

This role has the potential to grow into an independent research and development program.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Conduct research, propose experiments, and analyze data to validate hypotheses and improve understanding, particularly for troubleshooting performance and quality as well as equipment and materials issues related to high power fiber lasers and telecommunications components,
  • Design, execution and analysis of experiments to improve the performance of optical fibers for fiber lasers and amplifiers
  • Work with the optical fiber fabrication team and provide input on improved fiber designs and compositions
  • Interface with teams developing fiber laser components such as optical fibers, fiber Bragg gratings, and fiber coatings to ensure complete design solutions for fiber laser systems,
  • Characterize glass, fibers, and coatings, and devise methods to identify and solve technical problems,
  • Assist in establishing and executing an R&D program to support Lightera manufacturing sites, and provide input to the long-term technology roadmap,
  • Provide technical support to the marketing and sales team and assist in understanding new business opportunities
  • Perform other related duties as required by management

Key qualifications include:

  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Optics, Physics, or related field
  • Experience in handling, characterizing and performing data analysis on optical fibers
  • Experience with high-power fiber lasers and components such as pump and pump-signal combiners and fiber Bragg gratings, is highly desired
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, preferably as demonstrated by past publications or presentations
  • Demonstrated ability to innovate in a high technology field
  • Coursework and/or research experience in photonics and optics
  • Lab automation and computer skills
  • Ability to understand and perform numerical simulation
  • Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and work effectively with minimal supervision
  • Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
  • Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
  • Conform to all aspects of Lightera's "Standards of Conduct"

Working at Lightera means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement and a matching 401(k) plan.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply online at http://www.lightera.com/careers. Submissions must include salary information.

Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted.

Lightera, a Georgia based global company, is an 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 or status as an individual with a disability.