Laboratory Test Engineer

Position Overview

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.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Design Engineering and coordinate with Compliance Engineering, Process Engineering, Quality, and other stakeholders.
• Design tests and experiments, and coordinate with Design Engineering as needed.
• Perform tests or coordinate with external 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 fiber optic performance testing (insertion loss, return loss, attenuation), mechanical testing (pull, torsion, crush, impact) and environmental testing (thermal cycling, humidity, water integrity, etc.).
• Coordinate with external test laboratories to schedule and manage outsourced testing when required.
• Collect, analyze, and document test data and results; prepare reports and summaries for internal and external review.
• Communicate test outcomes and recommendations, partnering 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 laboratory testing activities.
• Maintain and curate laboratory records, test reports, and technical data in approved 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.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is used safely in accordance with established procedures; support calibration and maintenance activities as required.

Required Qualifications

• Education: 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 in laboratory testing, test engineering, or product validation
• Experience with Telcordia GR standards or similar industry standards
• 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
• Willingness to travel up to five percent of time domestically

Preferred Qualifications

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

Benefits & Perks

• Benefits: 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 offered
• 401K plan: Maximum match is 4.5% of the first 6% of contribution
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Clearfield's Time Off Policy includes PTO starting at three weeks annually, with PTO accrued monthly, plus Voluntary Time Off (VTO) of eight hours each calendar year and nine paid holidays per year