Senior Lead Engineer, Rugged Fiber Optics Systems

KITCO Fiber Optics, Inc.; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k)

PTO

Disability insurance

Life insurance

EAP

Tuition reimbursement

HSA/FSA

Job summary

KITCO Fiber Optics, Inc. seeks a Lead Engineer to guide a multidisciplinary team in ruggedized fiber optics and connectivity products for defense, aerospace, and telecom. You will lead from requirements through release, mentor engineers, and ensure design transfer with ISO 9001/AS9100 compliance.

Primarily office-based with hands-on lab work, prototype builds, and occasional travel; U.S. citizenship required for contract work. Compensation: $120,000–$145,000.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• 7+ years in physical product design, development, or production support.
• Experience taking products from concept to production and release.
• Strong drawings/CAD, GD&T, BOMs, and change control knowledge.
• Experience with test plans, qualification evidence, and root-cause analysis.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001/AS9100 environments; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineers and staff; set priorities and mitigate risks.
• Serve as senior technical lead for product development and integration.
• Translate requirements into design inputs, plans, and criteria.
• Lead design reviews, trade studies, prototype builds, and validation.
• Ensure drawings, BOMs, interfaces, and test evidence are traceable.
• Drive DFMA, cost improvements, supplier evaluations, and solutions.
• Lead root-cause investigations and post-release verification.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Engineering judgment

Systems thinking

Project management

CAD/GD&T

ISO 9001/AS9100

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks/AutoCAD

Job description

KITCO Fiber Optics, Inc. seeks a Lead Engineer to guide a multidisciplinary team in ruggedized fiber optics and connectivity products for defense, aerospace, and telecom. You will lead from requirements through release, mentor engineers, and ensure design transfer with ISO 9001/AS9100 compliance.

Primarily office-based with hands-on lab work, prototype builds, and occasional travel; U.S. citizenship required for contract work. Compensation: $120,000–$145,000.