Field Engineer (Fiber Optic)

Ripple Talent; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ripple Talent in Charlotte, NC is seeking a Field Engineer to work directly with fiber optic communication systems. The role involves traveling to customer sites to install, test, troubleshoot, and document complex fiber optic networks while building hands-on experience.

You will develop expertise with optical testing and fiber splicing, coordinate field installation projects, and collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, product, and sales teams to deliver solutions in the field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or another technical discipline.
• 1+ years of Engineering or related experience.
• Interest in fiber optics, telecommunications, networking, or communications technology.
• Hands-on mindset with a desire to learn new technical equipment and processes.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% and work in changing environments.

Responsibilities

• Travel to customer locations to install, test, troubleshoot, and document fiber optic communication systems.
• Develop expertise with optical testing and fiber‑splicing equipment and procedures.
• Coordinate and lead various aspects of fiber optic network installation projects.
• Troubleshoot technical and product issues directly in the field and help develop solutions for customers.
• Conduct on-site investigations and support remediation of product and quality issues.
• Provide technical guidance and support to both internal teams and customers.
• Deliver fiber optic technical training at customer and regional locations.
• Evaluate products and provide field insights to Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Management, and Sales teams.
• Visit manufacturing facilities as needed to share technical knowledge and observations from the field.
• Build relationships with customers while serving as a trusted technical resource.

Skills

Hands-on mindset

Technical communication

Project coordination

Adaptability

Multitasking

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Technical disciplines (Physics, CS, Math)

Engineering degrees preferred

Tools

Fiber optic testing equipment

Fiber splicing equipment

Field installation tools

Job description

Field Engineer - Fiber Optic Communications

Location: Charlotte, NC

Travel: Up to 75%

Schedule: Monday-Friday, with occasional work outside standard business hours

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a global technology leader in optical communications to hire a Field Engineer for its growing team. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career engineer who wants to get out from behind a desk and build hands‑on experience with the technology powering today's high-speed communications infrastructure.

In this role, you'll work directly with fiber optic communication systems, traveling to customer sites to support installations, testing, troubleshooting, and technical projects. You'll gain exposure to customers, manufacturing teams, product leaders, and commercial teams while developing specialized expertise in fiber optics.

For someone who enjoys hands‑on engineering, problem‑solving, travel, and seeing projects come to life in the field, this is a unique opportunity to build a highly valuable technical skill set with an established global organization.

What You'll Do

• Travel to customer locations to install, test, troubleshoot, and document fiber optic communication systems.
• Develop expertise with optical testing and fiber‑splicing equipment and procedures.
• Coordinate and lead various aspects of fiber optic network installation projects.
• Troubleshoot technical and product issues directly in the field and help develop solutions for customers.
• Conduct on‑site investigations and support remediation of product and quality issues.
• Provide technical guidance and support to both internal teams and customers.
• Deliver fiber optic technical training at customer and regional locations.
• Evaluate products and provide field insights to Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Management, and Sales teams.
• Visit manufacturing facilities as needed to share technical knowledge and observations from the field.
• Build relationships with customers while serving as a trusted technical resource.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or another technical discipline.
• Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, or similar Engineering degrees are highly preferred.
• Degrees in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related technical disciplines may also be considered.
• 1+ years of Engineering or related experience
• Interest in fiber optics, telecommunications, networking, or communications technology.
• hands‑on mindset with a desire to learn new technical equipment and processes.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Comfortable taking initiative, solving problems independently, and working in changing environments.
• Strong organization and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Previous exposure to construction, project planning, telecommunications, technical field work, or military communications is a plus.
• Spanish, French, or Portuguese language skills are a plus, but not required.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

This isn’t a traditional desk‑based engineering position. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with advanced fiber optic technology in real‑world environments, travel to customer locations, participate in network installations, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and develop relationships across engineering, manufacturing, product, and customer organizations.

The role offers a combination of technical engineering, project leadership, customer interaction, and hands‑on field experience that can provide an excellent foundation for a long‑term engineering career.

Additional Requirements

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 75%.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Passport.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for local travel.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable climbing ladders and working from aerial lifts when required.
• Distinct color acuity is required for fiber optic work.
• Must be able to complete required background, drug, and driving‑record screenings.
• This position does not provide immigration sponsorship.