R&D Engineer - Fiber Optic Test Equipment

Job Description

Job Description

About Tempo Communications

Tempo Communications is a leading designer and manufacturer of test and measurement instruments for the global telecommunications industry. Our product portfolio spans fiber optic test equipment, copper network analyzers, cable locators, and installation tools trusted by field technicians, network engineers, and service providers worldwide. We are an engineering-driven company with a deep commitment to innovation, quality, and bringing reliable, field-proven products to market.

Position Summary

We are looking for a talented and motivated R&D Engineer to join our Fiber Optic Test Equipment team in North County San Diego. In this role, you will lead the design, development, and support of handheld and benchtop fiber optic test instruments — including Optical Power Meters (OPM), Visual Fault Locators (VFL), and laser light sources — from concept through production release. You will report directly to the Director of Engineering and work in close collaboration with firmware, mechanical, and quality engineers to deliver best-in-class instruments for the telecom field.

In addition to core R&D responsibilities, you will provide ongoing production support, working with manufacturing to resolve technical issues, improve yield, and ensure product quality on the floor.

Key Responsibilities

Fiber Optic Instrument Design & Development

• Lead the electrical hardware design of fiber optic test instruments including Optical Power Meters (OPM), Visual Fault Locators (VFL), and stabilized laser light sources.
• Design and characterize precision analog front-end circuits for optical detection: transimpedance amplifiers (TIA), InGaAs and Si photodetector interface circuits.
• Design laser driver circuits for CW and modulated operation; ensure stable optical output power, wavelength accuracy, and compliance with laser safety classifications.
• Define and execute electrical schematic capture, component selection, PCB layout review guidance, and bring-up procedures for new hardware designs.

Production Support

• Serve as the primary electrical engineering resource for manufacturing escalations on fiber optic products; investigate and resolve assembly, test, and yield issues on the production floor.
• Review and approve electrical test procedures and production test fixture designs for OPM, VFL, and laser source product lines; support calibration process development and traceability.
• Investigate field failures and customer returns (RMAs) with root cause analysis; issue formal corrective action reports and drive design or process improvements to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers and quality to implement design-for-manufacturability (DFM) improvements, BOM optimizations, and approved vendor list (AVL) updates.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• 5–10+ years of experience in analog/mixed-signal hardware design, with at least 3 years focused on electro-optical systems, photonics instrumentation, or fiber optic test equipment.
• Proficiency with electronic design tools: schematic capture (Altium, OrCAD, or equivalent), SPICE simulation (LTspice or equivalent), and PCB design review.
• Familiarity with fiber optic connector interfaces (FC/PC, FC/APC, LC, SC), fiber types (SMF, MMF), and optical coupling considerations in instrument design.
• Experience with lab characterization instruments: optical power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, laser sources, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and precision multimeters.
• Strong documentation skills; able to write clear design specifications, test procedures, and engineering reports independently.
• Collaborative, hands-on approach with a track record of taking hardware designs from breadboard through production release.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing instruments to IEC 61010 (electrical safety) and IEC 61326 (EMC for measurement equipment) requirements.
• Background with low-noise analog design for high-sensitivity optical detection (sub-nW measurement range).
• Familiarity with embedded C firmware development sufficient to collaborate effectively on calibration routines and hardware abstraction layers.
• Experience with handheld or battery-powered instrument design: power management ICs, Li-Ion charging circuits, and low-power optimization strategies.
• Knowledge of OTDR principles or experience with coherent/wavelength -selective fiber test techniques is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

Tempo Communications offers a competitive total compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

• Eligible for consideration for an annual performance-based bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development and continuing education support