Fiber Optic Specialist

Join the power movement as a Fiber Optic Specialist

The Fiber Optic Applications Technician is an exciting and evolving role with a responsibility for assisting R&D and production staff with all aspects of optical fiber work such as fiber splicing, testing, and incorporation of fibers into complex design features while minimizing damage and attenuation to the fiber throughout its lifetime. The technician will ensure functional operation and preventative maintenance of equipment as well as continuous improvement. Responsibilities include close cooperation with Operations, Maintenance, Quality and other departments to ensure goals and objectives are met. This role will lead the way to making Earth sustainable for the future to come.

This work is conducted within a multi-disciplinary team of technicians and engineers. Participation and clear, concise communication while working with the team is crucial.

What you'll do:

• Conduct the handling, routing, splicing, testing, and potential repair of 1000’s of fibers throughout the SPARC fusion machine
• Perform mechanical integration of small assemblies adjacent or in conjunction with the fiber work, such as passthrough flanges and enclosures for the fibers
• Install composite or polymer wrappings for the fibers and their enclosures
• Train other technicians as needed in the proper installation, splicing, routing, and measurement procedures
• Improve safety protocols for laser and fiber optic handling
• Fulfill manufacturing and R&D fiber needs

What we’re looking for:

• 4+ years experience in fiber optics field applications
• Experience with taking attenuation, insertion loss, and spectral analysis measurements using various measurement equipment (such as OTDR, OSA, OBR, power meter, etc.)
• Must have experience fiber handling in a lab setting with known standards

Bonus points for:

• 7+ years experience in fiber optics field applications
• Experience in utilizing distributed sensing arrays
• Experience with polyimide and a variety of coated fibers
• At least 1 year experience in teaching and/or training fiber splicing techniques and cable assemblies
• Experienced with designing, building, and testing fiber cable assemblies, particularly in cryogen and vacuum conditions
• Experience performing fiber optic work in environments with limited space or requiring odd positions.
• Skills:
• Fiber coating removal
• Fiber re-coating
• Specialty fiber splicing
• Fiber proof-testing
• Measurement and analysis techniques with optical tools and equipment such as interrogators, optical multiplexers, optical switches, fault locators, OTDR, etc.
• Knowledgeable about various optics sensing techniques and optical attenuation/insertion loss mechanisms
• Basic Materials Science knowledge
• Good communication skills
• Good attention to detail

Must-have Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities:
• Stooping, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• May need to operate in small confined places in odd locations
• Work locations could include being on platforms around 25 feet high
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally