Senior Engineering Technician

Position Overview The Senior Engineering Technician is a highly experienced hands‑on contributor within the R&D organization, supporting the development, characterization, and validation of advanced lightwave telecommunication technologies. This role requires significant expertise in electronics and electro‑optics, the ability to work independently on complex systems, and the judgment to support early‑stage research through advanced prototyping and debugging. The Senior Engineering Technician may also serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior technicians and engineers. Responsibilities Independently design, build, modify, calibrate, and maintain electronic and electro‑optical test sets and instruments for R&D programs. Work with colleagues, vendors, and purchasing staff to procure instruments, adapters, fixtures, optical and electrical equipment/components. Support development and characterization of lightwave telecom subsystems and modules, including lasers, modulators, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), photodetectors, amplifiers, and high‑speed optical transceivers. Perform advanced optical, electrical, and electro‑optical measurements, such as: Optical power, gain spectrum, wavelength stability, and polarization. BER, eye diagrams, jitter, and signal integrity analysis. RF and high‑speed electrical characterization. High voltage measurements – leakage current, partial discharge. Operate high‑voltage powering equipment. Lead troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis efforts for understanding prototype device failures and anomalous test results. Collaborate closely with R&D engineers to refine designs, test methodologies, and experimental approaches. Provide hands‑on support for board bring‑up, system integration, and early product validation. Develop, document, and improve test procedures, fixtures, and best practices. Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior technicians. Maintain laboratory infrastructure, including equipment readiness, calibration tracking, ESD controls, and safety compliance. Identify opportunities to improve lab efficiency, data quality, and test repeatability. Contribute practical insights to design reviews based on hands‑on lab experience. Qualifications Associate’s degree or technical diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology, Photonics, Optics, or a related field. 5+ years of hands‑on experience in an R&D or advanced engineering lab environment. Experience supporting early‑stage research, proof‑of‑concept builds, or new product introduction (NPI) preferred. Strong background in analog and digital electronics. Fundamental understanding of optics, circuit board lead and lead‑free (RoHS) soldering, electro‑mechanical fabrication, electro‑optical instruments, and supporting metrology (calibration). Proven ability to independently set up, execute, and interpret complex experiments. Ability to find creative solutions to technical problems when traditional resources are not immediately available. Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic skills across electrical, optical, and system levels. Proficiency with a wide range of lab instrumentation, including oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, BER testers, tunable lasers, and power meters. Familiarity with lasers, optical fiber splicing, optical fiber routing, optical connectors, and associated safety requirements. Ability to read, interpret, and contribute to electrical and optical schematics, block diagrams, and technical documentation. Ability to understand as well as create well‑written test plans, reports and other testing requirements documents. Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools – Word, Excel, Visio, Power Point. Experience working with electrical wiring and printed circuit boards. Experience with test automation or data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW) preferred. Experience with troubleshooting photonic, analog, and digital electronics. Experience with high‑speed circuits. Experience with electro‑optical components and light‑wave telecom systems. Experience with general lab tools – drill, hand tools, soldering/desoldering equipment. Experience working with high DC voltages (up to 30 kV). Experience with environmental, reliability, or qualification standards and testing. Experience with fiber splicing, fiber handling. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated technical leadership and ownership of lab activities. Comfortable working with minimal direction in ambiguous or early‑stage R&D efforts. Dedicated, detail‑oriented, methodical, and quality‑focused. Collaborative mindset with the confidence to challenge assumptions and suggest improvements. Passion for hands‑on engineering and continuous learning. NOTE This job description is not intended to be all‑inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Candidates for positions with SubCom must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility verification will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. BENEFITS SubCom offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to: competitive salaries, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverages, FSA, HSA, generous vacation, paid sick leave, paid parental leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, and a 401(k) plan with generous company match. Additionally, some positions may be eligible for shift differential. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL EMPLOYER OPPORTUNITY SubCom is committed to providing a work environment that prohibits discrimination based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristics protected by applicable law or regulation. SUBCOM’S CORE VALUES Quality – Accountability – Teamwork – Innovation #J-18808-Ljbffr