Job Overview

Technical Specialist – Fiber Termination & Laboratory Testing
Digital Data Networks (DDN) Business Unit | TE Connectivity
Location: Rochester, New York

The Opportunity
Join TE Connectivity's world-class Passive Optics organization as a hands-on Technical Specialist – Fiber Termination & Laboratory Testing and play a crucial role in supporting the development and validation of advanced fiber optic connectivity products powering AI and hyperscale computing infrastructure. You'll execute sophisticated fiber termination processes, operate advanced optical test equipment and environmental chambers, and ensure product quality through meticulous assembly and validation procedures under the guidance of lab managers and product development engineers.

Please note: operations are currently based at a temporary site in Webster, NY. The team will transition to a permanent Rochester location (near RIT) upon completion.

Why This Role Matters 

This role encompasses both fiber termination and prototype development and the testing and reliability evaluation of optical components and assemblies. The Technical Specialist will support product development and qualification through precision assembly, characterization, and mechanical and environmental testing. 

Based on the individual’s technical background and business needs, the role may be more heavily focused on either prototype and termination activities or testing and reliability, while maintaining the ability to support both areas.

Job Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Fiber Termination & Prototype Assembly
•    Perform precision termination of single-fiber and multifiber optical assemblies, including LC, SC, MPO, MT, MDC, FAUs, and other optical interconnect technologies. 
•    Perform fiber preparation activities including stripping, cleaning, mechanical cleaving, laser cleaving, fiber handling, ribbon preparation, and cable preparation. 
•    Execute fiber polishing, adhesive bonding, curing, fixturing, alignment, and other precision assembly processes. 
•    Build prototypes, development samples, and qualification units in support of engineering activities. 
•    Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate new assembly concepts, improve processes, and assess manufacturability. 
•    Read and follow engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and development procedures while documenting process parameters and observations. 

Inspection, Metrology & Testing
•    Perform visual inspection and dimensional verification of fibers, connectors, components, and assemblies using microscopes, imaging systems, and other precision measurement equipment. 
•    Perform optical testing and characterization using equipment such as optical power meters, Insertion loss/Return Loss systems, interferometer, reflectometer, beam measurement equipment, and other fiber optic test instrumentation. 
•    Perform mechanical and environmental testing including temperature/humidity exposure, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, pull/force testing, and other product qualification tests. 
•    Prepare samples and fixtures, execute established test procedures, collect data, and document test results for engineering review. 
•    Support troubleshooting, failure investigations, and comparative measurements of prototype or failed samples. 

Laboratory Support
•    Operate and maintain fiber processing, inspection, measurement, and test equipment. 
•    Perform routine equipment checks and basic troubleshooting and support preventive maintenance and calibration activities. 
•    Maintain laboratory materials, consumables, fixtures, tools, and test samples. 
•    Maintain accurate assembly and test records and follow laboratory safety, quality, traceability, and housekeeping requirements. 
•    Identify opportunities to improve laboratory processes, fixtures, assembly methods, and test efficiency.

What your background should look like

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, vocational/technical diploma, or equivalent technical training in fiber optics, electronics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in fiber optic termination, optical assembly, precision manufacturing, or a laboratory testing environment.
• Hands-on experience with fiber preparation, termination, polishing, connector assembly, or related precision assembly processes.
• Strong manual dexterity and ability to work with very small components and tight tolerances.
• Ability to operate laboratory, inspection, and measurement equipment.
• Ability to read drawings, specifications, procedures, and work instructions.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a product-development environment where priorities and processes may evolve.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multifiber connectors, MPO/MT assemblies, FAUs, or other high-density optical connectivity products.
• Experience with optical testing, physical metrology, mechanical testing, or environmental chambers.
• Familiarity with automated or semi-automated laboratory equipment.
• Basic experience with laboratory data acquisition or analysis tools such as Excel, Minitab, LabVIEW, Python, or similar software.
• Fiber optic certification such as CFOT, CPCT, or equivalent.

Competencies