Your JobThe Fiber Optic Engineering Technician supports the development, prototyping, testing, and qualification of fiber optic connectors, cable assemblies, and related connectivity products. This position works closely with mechanical, optical, manufacturing, and product development engineers to turn new concepts into functional prototypes and validated product designs.
The ideal candidate is highly hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable building fiber optic assemblies, operating optical and mechanical test equipment, troubleshooting failures, and documenting test results.
What You Will DoPrototype Development- Build and modify prototype fiber optic connectors, adapters, cable assemblies, fixtures, and related components.
- Perform fiber preparation, stripping, cleaving, termination, polishing, cleaning, and inspection.
- Support rapid prototype iterations for new connector and cable-assembly concepts.
- Develop and modify fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineers.
- Maintain prototype materials, components, tools, and development hardware.
Fiber Optic Testing- Perform insertion loss and return loss testing on single-mode and multimode fiber assemblies.
- Conduct fiber end-face inspection using appropriate inspection equipment and acceptance criteria.
- Operate optical power meters, light sources, interferometers, microscopes, and other fiber-optic laboratory equipment.
- Support mechanical testing such as mating/unmating, tensile, retention, durability, and dimensional measurements.
- Assist engineers with environmental and reliability qualification testing.
- Record results accurately and identify abnormal test behavior or product failures.
Engineering Support- Work directly with engineers during feasibility studies, design experiments, DOE activities, and product-development programs.
- Execute engineering test plans and provide clear feedback on prototype performance and manufacturability.
- Assist with failure analysis, root-cause investigation, and corrective-action experiments.
- Identify practical improvements to prototype designs, assembly methods, tooling, fixtures, and test processes.
- Support development of engineering samples for internal reviews, customer evaluations, and qualification programs.
Documentation- Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, test records, sample identification, photographs, and measurement data.
- Prepare basic test reports and summarize experimental results.
- Document prototype assembly procedures and test methods.
- Support development and maintenance of work instructions and laboratory procedures.
- Maintain calibration status and proper operation of assigned laboratory equipment.
What Success Looks LikeA strong Fiber Optic Engineering Technician should be able to:
- Take an engineer's concept and physically build it.
- Produce consistent, high-quality fiber terminations and prototype assemblies.
- Set up, execute or coordinate testing with minimal supervision.
- Recognize unexpected results rather than simply recording them.
- Troubleshoot whether a problem originates in the design, component, assembly process, fixture, or test method.
- Capture enough data and documentation for engineers to make informed design decisions.
- Help engineers iterate prototypes substantially faster.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)- 5+ years of experience as a technician, in a laboratory, manufacturing, or product-development position
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to work with small, precision components.
- Ability to use microscopes, calipers, micrometers, force gauges, and other precision measurement equipment, as well as hand tools.
- Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, and test procedures.
- Comfortable recording and analyzing test data using Microsoft Excel.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
What Will Put You Ahead- Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Mechanical Technology, Photonics, Optics, or a related technical discipline
- Experience with several of the following would be especially valuable:
• Fiber stripping and preparation
• Precision fiber cleaving
• Fiber connector termination
• Fiber polishing
• Connector end-face inspection
• Insertion loss / return loss testing
• Single-mode and multimode fiber
• MPO/MTP or other multifiber connectors
• Optical power meters and light sources
• Interferometry
• IEC 61300 series fiber-optic testing
• IEC 61300-3-35 end-face inspection
• Environmental and mechanical qualification testing
For this role, we anticipate paying $35 - $42 per hour. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring PhilosophyAll Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.
Our BenefitsOur goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
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