Fiber Optic Test Technician

Vertical Laboratories; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and sick time

Employee bonus program

Ongoing training

Job summary

Vertical Laboratories LLC in Glendale, CA is seeking a Fiber Optic Test Technician to conduct precision optical measurements in a laboratory setting. The role entails performing tests on fiber optic components, documenting results meticulously, and ensuring compliance with industry specifications.

Ideal candidates have over 5 years of laboratory experience, particularly in fiber optic testing. The position offers comprehensive healthcare benefits, a 401(k) with a company match, and opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on fiber optic testing experience.
• Experience with optical loss test sets, OTDRs, and end-face inspection.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Perform insertion loss and return loss measurements.
• Inspect and clean connector and terminus end faces.
• Document results under ISO/IEC 17025 quality system.

Skills

Fiber optic testing

Optical loss test sets

Microsoft Office

End-face inspection

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree

Tools

OTDRs

Temperature/humidity testers

Job description

Fiber Optic Test Technician (Laboratory)
Vertical Laboratories LLC | Glendale, CA | Full-Time, Day Shift | $28.00-$36.00/hr

Measure light through the harshest environments on and off the planet.

Fiber optic connectors on aircraft, defense platforms, and subsea systems have to keep performing through vibration, shock, thermal extremes, and deep-sea pressure. At Vertical Laboratories, you'll prove they do. This is a bench-level laboratory role focused on precision optical measurement and component qualification. You'll take measurements before, during, and after some of the most demanding qualification testing in the industry.

Is This Role Right for You?

This position is centered on laboratory testing of fiber optic components rather than field installation or network deployment. It's a great fit if you enjoy precise, repeatable measurements, careful documentation, and understanding exactly how and why a component performs under stress. If your background is in fiber optic component testing, qualification, R&D, or manufacturing test, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do:

• Perform insertion loss and return loss measurements on fiber optic interconnects throughout environmental and mechanical testing.
• Inspect and clean connector and terminus end faces to strict standards.
• Set up and monitor fiber samples through temperature, humidity, thermal shock, vibration, shock, and pressure testing.
• Test to MIL-PRF-28876, MIL-PRF-29504, TIA-455 (FOTP), and EIA-364 series requirements.
• Document results in controlled datasheets under our ISO/IEC 17025 quality system.

What You Bring:

• 5+ years of hands-on fiber optic testing experience in a laboratory, qualification, R&D, or manufacturing test environment.
• Experience with optical loss test sets, OTDRs, and end-face inspection equipment.
• High school diploma or GED; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), including charting and trending data, and Google Workspace.
• Experience terminating and polishing fiber optic termini is a plus.

Growth & Training:

You'll be trained on our procedures and test systems during your first weeks, and we invest in continuing education throughout your career. There's room to grow into senior technical and lead roles as your expertise expands.

Work Environment:

Active laboratory environment with periodic elevated noise levels from test equipment; hearing protection provided where required. Work involves both standing and sitting, precision handling of fiber and small components, and lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. PPE provided and required where applicable.

Why Vertical Labs?

Vertical Laboratories is an independent aerospace and subsea environmental simulation laboratory, accredited by A2LA to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, DLA-approved, and Nadcap-accredited. We specialize in R&D and qualification testing of ruggedized interconnects, and we take on the programs other labs won't. We're a smart, scrappy team that values doing things right.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with 4% company match.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Employee bonus program.
• Ongoing training and continuing education.

Eligibility:

This position requires access to export-controlled information. Applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)). All offers are contingent upon a standard background check and drug test.

Vertical Laboratories LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.