TE Connectivity is hiring a Manager - Lab Technician for Optical Testing & Validation to lead our Optical Testing Laboratory. You will manage the validation of next-generation optical connector systems critical for AI and hyperscale computing infrastructure, ensuring product quality through advanced testing and analysis.
What You'll Do
- 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.
- Perform detailed testing of fiber optic connectors and assemblies using industry-standard test methodologies and equipment.
- Analyze and interpret complex optical test results, identifying trends, anomalies, and performance characteristics.
- Create detailed test reports with statistical analysis and recommendations for engineering teams.
- Execute Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) and Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS) protocols for optical connector assemblies.
- Perform temperature cycling, humidity exposure, vibration, and mechanical stress testing per TIA and GIR industry standards.
- Ensure all testing procedures comply with TIA/EIA fiber optic standards and Generic Industry Requirements (GIR).
- Document and analyze test failures, providing technical input for root cause analysis and design improvements.
- Operate and maintain sophisticated optical test equipment including optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, OTDRs/OFDRs, imaging and beam characterization systems and automated test systems.
- Execute calibration procedures and maintain calibration standards for all test equipment to ensure measurement accuracy.
- Perform precision cleaning, inspection, and preparation of fiber optic connectors and test samples.
- Develop and maintain test scripts to automate data collection, reduce testing time, and improve measurement repeatability.
- Apply statistical methods to analyze test results, calculate process capability, and identify performance trends.
- Support development of new test procedures and validation of test methodologies.
- Continuously improve laboratory processes, test efficiency, and measurement accuracy.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to understand test requirements and provide technical testing expertise.
What We're Looking For
- Associate degree in Optical or Electronics Technology, Engineering Technology, or related technical field, or equivalent technical experience.
- 3-5 years in optical testing, electronics testing, or precision measurement laboratory environments.
- Familiarity with TIA/EIA fiber optic standards and Generic Industry Requirements (GIR) for optical testing.
- Hands-on experience with optical test equipment and fiber optic connector handling procedures.
- Proficiency with Insertion Loss, Return Loss, OBR, and PER measurement techniques and interpretation.
- Experience with HALT/HASS testing procedures and environmental test chamber operations.
- Skilled operation of optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, OTDRs, and automated test systems.
- Understanding of statistical methods for test data analysis and process control.
- Meticulous attention to detail in testing procedures, data collection, and documentation.
- Systematic troubleshooting of test equipment issues and measurement anomalies.
- Ability to clearly document test procedures and results for engineering and manufacturing teams.
- Proactive approach to identifying process improvements and efficiency enhancements.
Nice to Have
- Fiber optic certification (CFOT, CPCT) or electronics technician certification.
- Background in telecommunications, data center, or optical component testing environments.
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or other test automation programming languages.
- Experience with specialized optical tests such as spectral characterization, modal analysis, or high-speed optical measurements.
- Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and quality documentation systems.
Technical Stack
- Optical spectrum analyzers, Power meters, OTDRs/OFDRs
- Imaging and beam characterization systems, Automated test systems
- Test automation scripting (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW)
- Laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
Team & Environment
You will be part of the Passive Optics organization within the Digital Data Networks (DDN) Business Unit.
Benefits & Compensation
- Health insurance
- 401(k)
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Paid time off
- Voluntary benefits
Compensation range: $144,600 – $216,900. This range is subject to change dependent on physical location.
TE Connectivity is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), Including Disability/Vets.
