1

Optical Fiber Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or arelated field. Experience 10+ years of progressive experience in R&D roles within fiber optics or advancedmaterials. 5+ years of previous ...

Research Scientist, Optical Systems Responsibilities: * Develop and optimize techniques and processes for the fabrication of diffraction gratings and light guides on organic substrates * Perform ...

Research Scientist, Optical Systems Responsibilities: * Develop and optimize techniques and processes for the fabrication of diffraction gratings and light guides on organic substrates * Perform ...

Research Scientist, Optical Systems Responsibilities: * Develop and optimize techniques and processes for the fabrication of diffraction gratings and light guides on organic substrates * Perform ...

Optical Scientist / Engineer

Corning, NY · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... and fiber-optic applications. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Research ...

Optical Scientist / Engineer

Corning, NY · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... and fiber-optic applications. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Research ...

Optical Scientist / Engineer

Corning, NY

$109K - $141K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... and fiber-optic applications. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Research ...

Fiber Products Associate

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Our sustained investment in research, development, and invention means we're always ready to solve ... Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ...

Fiber Products Associate

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Our sustained investment in research, development, and invention means we're always ready to solve ... Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ...

Fiber Products Associate

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Our sustained investment in research, development, and invention means we're always ready to solve ... Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ...

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... research and monitoring, and review of internal and external reports to provide input to OFC ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Fiber Research Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do optical fiber research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical fiber research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical fiber research scientist do?

An Optical Fiber Research Scientist is responsible for studying, developing, and improving optical fibers used in telecommunications, medical devices, and other technologies. They conduct experiments, analyze materials, and develop new methods to enhance the performance, efficiency, and reliability of optical fiber systems. Their work often involves collaboration with engineers and manufacturers to implement research findings into practical applications, such as faster internet connections or advanced sensing technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical fiber research scientist?

To thrive as an Optical Fiber Research Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and materials science, typically with a Ph.D. in a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as COMSOL or Lumerical), experimental laboratory equipment, and optical characterization tools is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for advancing fiber optic technologies and driving innovation in telecommunications and photonics industries.

What are some common challenges optical fiber research scientists face when developing new fiber technologies?

Optical Fiber Research Scientists often encounter challenges related to material limitations, such as achieving low attenuation and high bandwidth in novel fiber designs. Maintaining precise control over the manufacturing process to ensure consistent performance and reliability is also critical. Additionally, integrating new fiber technologies with existing communication infrastructure can present compatibility issues that require innovative solutions. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers and materials scientists, is essential to overcome these hurdles and drive successful product development.

What is the difference between Optical Fiber Research Scientist vs Optical Communications Engineer?

AspectOptical Fiber Research ScientistOptical Communications Engineer
CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsTelecom companies, network providers, field sites
Industry UsageFocus on developing new fiber technologies and materialsDesigning, implementing, and maintaining optical communication systems

While both roles involve optical technologies, the Optical Fiber Research Scientist primarily focuses on research and development of fiber materials and technologies, whereas the Optical Communications Engineer applies these technologies to real-world communication systems. The former is more research-oriented, often in labs or academia, while the latter works in industry to deploy and optimize optical networks.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Fiber Research Scientist jobs?

For Optical Fiber Research Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optical Fiber Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Fiber R&D Director

Claremont, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Define and implement the Fiber R&D strategy for Claremont Plant.

  • Lead the development of innovative and sustainable fiber materials, including managing know-how transfer and supporting local plant evolution.

  • Design new machines and processes to improve production capabilities, optimize output, and reduce fiber costs.


Job description

Prysmian is the world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. Each year, the company manufactures thousands of miles of underground and submarine cables and systems for power transmission and distribution, as well as medium low voltage cables for the construction and infrastructure sectors. We also produce a comprehensive range of optical fibers, copper cables and connectivity for voice, video and data transmission for the telecommunication sector.

We are 30,000 employees, across 50+ countries. Everyone at Prysmian has the potential to make their mark; because whatever you do, wherever you are based, you will be part of a company that is helping transform the world around us.

Make Your Mark at Prysmian - Join Us

Fiber R&D Director, North America


About the Role
You will drive innovation in fiber technology, influence the global roadmap, and defineperformance and sustainability standards for our products. Ultimately, you will play a keyrole in R&D governance, guiding investments and leading multidisciplinary teams toaccelerate transformation across the industry.


You will lead the know-how transfer into Claremont factory and support the local plantstrategic evolution to meet the DS market demands.


Key Responsibilities
Define and implement the Fiber R&D strategy for Claremont Plant
Shape the long-term vision for innovative and sustainable materials increasingsustainable sources and reduce dependency in terms of solutions and suppliers
Partner with Cable R&D to improve know-how sharing and to align on the respectivestrategic agenda
Together with Manufacturing and the related supporting functions design newmachines and equipment to evolve and innovate our production capabilities
Structure the team and processes to enhance efficiency and collaboration.
Establish a clear roadmap for fiber developments, integrating market and regulatoryrequirements.
Initiate strategic partnerships with academic and industrial stakeholders.
Implement performance indicators to measure innovation impact.
Develop and optimize processes in order to improve output and efficiencies KPIs(Yields) while reducing the overall Fiber cost
Partnering with Process control team in order to stabilize newly developed processes toavoid drifting of operational efficiency
Conduct experimental trials and analyze results to improve deposition efficiency andfiber quality
Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards during processdevelopment.
Document findings and contribute to technical reports and publications.
Support technology transfer from R&D to industrial scale-up, including pilot lineactivities.
Represent the company in strategic partnerships and industry consortiums.

Required Qualifications & Skills
Education
Master's degree or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or arelated field.

Experience
10+ years of progressive experience in R&D roles within fiber optics or advancedmaterials.
5+ years of previous managerial or leadership experience in a technical environment.
Experience with PCVD or similar deposition technologies is highly desirable.
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of fiber manufacturing processes and material properties.
Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and process optimization.
Familiarity with safety and environmental compliance standards.
Soft Skills
Excellent leadership and team management capabilities.
Strong communication and collaboration skills across multicultural teams.
Strategic thinking with the ability to drive innovation and change.

-----------------------------------------

Job Offer Fraud Alert

We take the security of our candidates seriously. Please be aware of job offer scams involving individuals falsely claiming to represent our company.

Our company will **never**:

  • Ask for payment, fees, or financial information at any stage of the recruitment process

  • Request passwords, banking details, or copies of personal identification via email or text

  • Extend a job offer without a formal interview process

  • Communicate from non-company email addresses (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo)

All legitimate communications from our recruitment team will come from an official company email domain (ending in @prysmian.com).

If you believe you have been contacted regarding a fraudulent job offer or are unsure about the authenticity of a message, please contact us directly at narecruiting@prysmian.com.

Prysmian, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, aims to attract and recruit individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities. We strongly believe that diversity brings significant value at all levels of the organization, increasing the possibility of capturing market opportunities and maximizing value for our customers and stakeholders. With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) as part of our Social Ambition 2030 and a strategic pillar of our Company culture, Prysmian is committed to the development of an organization that prioritizes talent, where people feel respected, included, and free to fully express their potential just as they are.


All Managers and HRs in Prysmian are responsible for ensuring DE&I policies are respected during the recruiting process, as well as recognizing and mitigating unconscious biases that must not influence our selection processes. All persons will be considered for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, origin, citizenship status, socio-economic status, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military service or veteran status, pregnancy, parental leave, medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Prysmian will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation for any disclosed physical or neurological condition or disability of a qualified applicant unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

Visit our DE&I Page to learn more about Prysmian's commitments.

Your application data will be treated according to our Data Protection Policy. If you believe you require assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at talent.mobility@prysmiangroup.com.