Job Overview

Manager - Lab Technician – Optical Testing & Validation, Digital Data Networks (DDN) Business Unit | TE Connectivity
The Opportunity

Join TE Connectivity's world-class Passive Optics organization as a Manager for the Optical Testing Laboratory and play a crucial role in validating the next generation of optical connector systems powering AI and hyperscale computing infrastructure. You'll execute sophisticated optical testing protocols, manage advanced test equipment, and ensure product quality through comprehensive environmental and optical characterization testing.

Why This Role Matters
As optical connectivity becomes increasingly critical for AI and data center applications, rigorous testing and validation have never been more important. You'll be essential in ensuring TE's optical products meet the highest performance standards while supporting the development teams with accurate, reliable test data that directly impacts product success in the marketplace.

Job Requirements

Optical Testing & Characterization 
• Optical Performance Testing: Execute comprehensive optical tests including Insertion Loss (IL), Return Loss (RL), Optical Backscatter Reflectometer (OBR) measurements, and Polarization Extinction Ratio (PER) characterization, Beam Quality (M2) & Beam Pointing measurements.  
• Connector Validation: Perform detailed testing of fiber optic connectors and assemblies using industry-standard test methodologies and equipment 
• Data Interpretation: Analyze and interpret complex optical test results, identifying trends, anomalies, and performance characteristics 
• Test Documentation: Create detailed test reports with statistical analysis and recommendations for engineering teams

Environmental & Reliability Testing 
• HALT/HASS Operations: Execute Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) and Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS) protocols for optical connector assemblies
• Environmental Validation: Perform temperature cycling, humidity exposure, vibration, and mechanical stress testing per TIA and GIR industry standards 
• Standards Compliance: Ensure all testing procedures comply with TIA/EIA fiber optic standards and Generic Industry Requirements (GIR) 
• Failure Analysis Support: Document and analyze test failures, providing technical input for root cause analysis and design improvements

Laboratory Operations & Equipment Management 
• Equipment Operation: Operate and maintain sophisticated optical test equipment including optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, OTDRs/OFDRs, imaging and beam characterization systems and automated test systems 
• Calibration Management: Execute calibration procedures and maintain calibration standards for all test equipment to ensure measurement accuracy 
• Connector Preparation: Perform precision cleaning, inspection, and preparation of fiber optic connectors and test samples 
• Test Automation: Develop and maintain test scripts to automate data collection, reduce testing time, and improve measurement repeatability

Data Analysis & Process Improvement 
• Statistical Analysis: Apply statistical methods to analyze test results, calculate process capability, and identify performance trends 
• Test Method Development: Support development of new test procedures and validation of test methodologies 
• Process Optimization: Continuously improve laboratory processes, test efficiency, and measurement accuracy 
• Cross-functional Support: Collaborate with engineering teams to understand test requirements and provide technical testing expertise

What your background should look like

Essential Qualifications

•  Education: BS degree in Electronics Technology, Engineering Technology, or related technical field, or equivalent technical experience 
• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience 
• Familiarity with TIA/EIA fiber optic standards and Generic Industry Requirements (GIR) for optical testing
• Technical Skills: Hands-on experience with optical test equipment and fiber optic connector handling procedures

Core Technical Competencies 
• Optical Testing: Proficiency with Insertion Loss, Return Loss, OBR, and PER measurement techniques and interpretation 
• Environmental Testing: Experience with HALT/HASS testing procedures and environmental test chamber operations 
• Equipment Proficiency: Skilled operation of optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, OTDRs, and automated test systems 
• Data Analysis: Understanding of statistical methods for test data analysis and process control

Specialized Knowledge Areas 
• Calibration Systems: Knowledge of measurement standards, calibration procedures, and traceability requirements 
• Connector Technology: Understanding of fiber optic connector types, referencing, cleaning procedures, and handling best practices 
• Test Automation: Experience with scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW) for test automation and data collection 
• Quality Systems: Familiarity with laboratory quality management and documentation procedures

Professional Skills 
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to testing procedures, data collection, and documentation 
• Problem Solving: Systematic troubleshooting of test equipment issues and measurement anomalies 
• Communication: Ability to clearly document test procedures and results for engineering and manufacturing teams 
• Continuous Improvement: Proactive approach to identifying process improvements and efficiency enhancements

Preferred Qualifications 
• Advanced Certification: Fiber optic certification (CFOT, CPCT) or electronics technician certification 
• Industry Experience: Background in telecommunications, data center, or optical component testing environments 
• Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or other test automation programming languages 
• Advanced Testing: Experience with specialized optical tests such as spectral characterization, modal analysis, or high-speed optical measurements 
• Laboratory Management: Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and quality documentation systems

Competencies