Senior Fiber Optics Product Engineer

Overview

A leading manufacturer of fiber optic connectivity and cable assembly solutions is seeking a Senior Principal Fiber Optic Product Engineer to provide technical leadership in fiber optic assembly development, manufacturing optimization, and new product introduction.

This individual will serve as a key technical resource supporting complex fiber optic products, customer requirements, production challenges, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Fiber Optic Engineering

• Develop and support single-mode and multimode fiber optic assemblies.
• Provide expertise in MPO/MTP and other fiber optic connector technologies.
• Support high-density fiber solutions including trunk cables, breakout assemblies, patch cords, and custom configurations.
• Interpret customer drawings, technical specifications, and performance requirements.
• Analyze optical performance, polarity requirements, connector compatibility, and loss budgets.

Manufacturing & Process Development

• Develop, improve, and optimize fiber optic assembly manufacturing processes.
• Support stripping, cleaving, termination, polishing, inspection, and testing processes.
• Troubleshoot insertion loss, return loss, end-face quality, contamination, and manufacturing defects.
• Establish work instructions, process controls, and quality standards.
• Improve yields, reduce scrap, and increase production efficiency.

New Product Introduction

• Lead projects from customer requirements through production launch.
• Evaluate technical feasibility of new opportunities.
• Develop bills of material, routings, labor requirements, and manufacturing processes.
• Support costing, quoting, prototyping, validation, and product qualification activities.
• Work closely with suppliers regarding components, tooling, and equipment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Operations, Quality, Purchasing, and customers.
• Recommend technical solutions and alternative manufacturing approaches.
• Identify technical and manufacturing risks.
• Support cost-effective product designs that balance performance, manufacturability, and profitability.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a senior technical resource for fiber optic engineering activities.
• Mentor engineers and technical staff.
• Develop engineering standards and documentation.
• Provide technical guidance for complex manufacturing and product challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of fiber optic manufacturing engineering experience.
• Experience with fiber optic cable assemblies, connectors, and interconnect products.
• Strong knowledge of MPO/MTP connectivity solutions.
• Experience supporting data center, telecom, hyperscale, or high-speed optical connectivity markets.
• Familiarity with IEC, TIA, Telcordia, and related fiber optic standards.
• Experience launching new products and improving manufacturing operations.
• Engineering degree preferred or equivalent industry experience.