Laboratory Test Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Laboratory Test Engineer

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

This position is primarily hands-on, working in a laboratory environment to perform testing and measurements of fiber-optic components and products. Responsibilities include creating and executing test plans to validate or investigate design solutions for fiber-optic components, subassemblies, and final products. The role assumes engineering ownership of optical test development, data acquisition, analysis, and technical reporting. The Laboratory Test Engineer plays a critical role in product quality, reliability, and continuous improvement.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Collaborate primarily with Design Engineering, and coordinate with Compliance Engineering, Process Engineering, Quality, and other internal and external stakeholders.

• Design tests and experiments and/or coordinates with Design Engineering as needed

• Perform tests and/or coordinate with outside test lab facilities to arrange testing

• Determine laboratory test requirements based on internal specifications, industry standards (e.g., Telcordia GR series), and customer requirements.

• Develop, author, and maintain laboratory test plans, procedures, and protocols.

• Set up, execute, and monitor laboratory tests, including but not limited to:

• Fiber optic performance testing (insertion loss, return loss, attenuation)

• Mechanical testing (pull, torsion, crush, impact)

• Environmental testing (thermal cycling, humidity, water integrity, etc.)

• Coordinate with external test laboratories to schedule and manage outsourced testing when required.

Laboratory Management

• Collect, analyze, and document test data and results; prepare reports, summaries, and data tables for internal and external review.

• Communicate test outcomes and recommendations and partner with internal teams to address failures through corrective actions, design updates, and process improvements.

• Support design verification and validation (V&V) efforts in accordance with documented procedures.

• Assist with design validation, process validation, supplier qualification testing, and other assigned laboratory testing activities.

• Maintain and curate laboratory records, test reports, and technical data in approved electronic systems.

• Develop and support production test plans and procedures in collaboration with Design and Quality teams.

Assist in troubleshooting nonconforming products, provide technical recommendations, and perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) as needed.

Ensure laboratory equipment is used safely and in accordance with established procedures; support calibration and maintenance activities as required.

This description of duties is not intended to be all-inclusive or to limit the discretionary authority to assign other tasks of a similar nature and/or level of responsibility.

COMPETENCIES:

Data literacy- Using data to gain insights, solve problems, and inform decisions.

• Builds reward systems and infrastructure to promote data-driven, evidence-based decision making across the organization.

• Designs the organization’s data analytics strategy related to leveraging data and improving performance.

• Scans the environment to discover emerging technologies and practices to support a data-driven culture.

• Evaluates the organization’s capability to leverage data, seeking areas for improvement.

Problem solving- Identifying problems and the solutions to them.

• Identifies complex problems based on a broad range of factors, many of which are ambiguous or difficult to define.

• Identifies optimal solutions, considering possible approaches and flexibility in the system as well as organizational values, policies, and procedures.

• Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of solutions after they have been implemented in order to identify needed changes.

Attention to detail- Working in a conscientious, consistent, and thorough manner.

• Identifies multiple sources/approaches of information to ensure that details are addressed.

• Reviews the work of others for accuracy and thoroughness.

• Follows up to ensure tasks are completed, and commitments are met by others.

• Verifies that work has been done according to procedures and standards.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field) or equivalent experience.

• Three to Five years of progressive experience in fiber optics

• Experience with fiber-optic cabling, terminations, and optical test equipment preferred

• Experience in laboratory testing, test engineering, or product validation.

• Experience with Telcordia GR standards or similar industry standards.

• Hands-on experience with fiber-optic test equipment (e.g., OTDRs, optical power meters, light sources, interferometers), preferred

• Ability to develop and execute laboratory test plans and procedures.

• Experience collecting, analyzing, and documenting test data.

• Strong technical writing and reporting skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional engineering environment.

• Experience coordinating testing with external test labs.

• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.

• Background in telecommunications, electronics, or electromechanical products.

• Strong working knowledge in Microsoft Office Suites

• Continuous Improvement mindset

• Safety mindset

• Travel five percent of time domestically

BENEFITS for full time:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
• 100% company paid Short-term and Long-term disability insurance coverage.
• 100% company paid Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance coverage.
• 100% company paid Business Travel Accident (BTA) insurance.
• 100% company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Additional voluntary benefits are offered.
• 401K plan: Maximum match is 4.5% of the first 6% of contribution.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Clearfield's Time Off Policy includes Personal Time Off (PTO) beginning at three weeks annually. PTO is accrued on the first of the month starting on day of hire. Voluntary Time Off (VTO) eight hours each calendar year, In addition, nine paid holidays per year.

SALARY RANGE: $73,299-$91,624-$109,949, Bonus eligible

An Offer of employment will be extended at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. This information reflects the anticipated salary range for this position at the time of posting. The salary range may be modified in the future and actual compensation may vary from the posting based on various factors such as geographic location, work experience, education and/or skill level.