Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Panduit • Tinley Park, IL

3d • $80,000 - $100,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Fiber Optics Design Engineer will drive the design and development of innovative fiber optic connectivity solutions for telecommunications, data center, and high-performance computing applications. This role leads the full product lifecycle, from concept through launch, while partnering across teams to advance cutting-edge optical technologies. Hands-on fiber optics experience is essential for this role. Panduit thrives on ingenuity and enterprise. We focus on solving problems and achieving success through our comprehensive infrastructure portfolios, helping organizations navigate digital, electrical, and workforce transformations for sustainable growth. As a leading global manufacturer of high-quality electrical and network infrastructure and connectivity solutions, we operate from our headquarters in Tinley Park, Ill., USA, and across 112 worldwide locations. We drive innovation through strategic R&D investments and breakthrough product development while providing seamless global support and service. Since 1955, our commitment to our customers has remained constant, and is guided by our cultural beliefs – Earn Trust, Be Focused, Own Results, Think Differently, Collaborate, and Simplify. Together, we create exceptional solutions that support our customers’ businesses in a way that's good for them and good for the world. At Panduit, we’re making the connections that matter.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Engineering, Opto-electronics, or Optical Engineering.
• 1.5 - 5 years in related role, with application experience in fiber optic connectivity in datacenter preferred.
• Experience with fiber optic connectors (MPO, LC, etc) cable assemblies, optical testing, optical measurements (insertion loss, return loss, alignment sensitivity, environmental testing), optical packaging, and ferrule alignment.
• Familiarity with optical communication transceivers, high-speed optical links, fundamentals of micro-optics or lens design, and industry standards (IEC, TIA, Telcordia).
• Experience using MATLAB or Python for engineering analysis.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Panduit will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future.
• All roles, including remote positions, require an in-person interview as part of the hiring process.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degrees a strong plus.
• Experience with product design in 3D CAD preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced fiber optic connectivity solutions, including connectors, cable assemblies, and high-density interconnect systems.
• Lead products through the full development lifecycle, from concept and prototyping to testing and manufacturing release.
• Execute product validation, qualification, and reliability testing for next-generation datacenter applications.
• Research emerging technologies and apply innovative solutions to drive product advancement.
• Partner with application engineering teams to understand customer environments, deployment challenges, and real-world use cases.
• Create technical documentation, including specifications, test plans, validation reports, and application notes.
• Bring creative, out-of-the-box thinking to product concepts, designs, and problem-solving.
• Works under supervision on various engineering project tasks, including performing engineering analysis such as competitive, failure modes and effects, cost, and manufacturing technology assessments.
• Designs components, verifies specifications through testing, and implements manufacturing processes.
• Occasionally provides field support and manages small projects from start to finish.
• Assists in proposing innovative product features.
• Applies technical expertise within a single discipline, such as mechanical, electronics, software/firmware, materials science, or optics.
• Builds working relationships both within the team and across the company.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay & Benefits
• Robust Total Rewards Program that includes health, financial benefits, and more.
• Flexible work options
• Generous vacation, sick days, holidays, plus a volunteer day to give back to the community.
• 401(k) match
• Profit sharing
• Abundant growth and development opportunities
• Parental Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level