Laboratory Test Engineer

Clearfield•Brooklyn Park, MN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is primarily hands-on, working in a laboratory environme nt to perform testing and measurements of fiber-optic components and products. Responsibilities include creating and executing test plans to validate or investigate design solutions for fiber-optic components, subassemblies, and final products. The role assumes engineering ownership of optical test development, data acquisition, analysis, and technical reporting. The Laboratory Test Engineer plays a critical role in product quality, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field) or equivalent experience.
Three to Five years of progressive experience in fiber optics
Experience in laboratory testing, test engineering, or product validation.
Experience with Telcordia GR standards or similar industry standards.
Ability to develop and execute laboratory test plans and procedures.
Experience collecting, analyzing, and documenting test data.
Strong technical writing and reporting skills.
Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional engineering environment.
Experience coordinating testing with external test labs.
Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
Background in telecommunications, electronics, or electromechanical products.
Strong working knowledge in Microsoft Office Suites
Continuous Improvement mindset
Safety mindset

Nice To Haves

Experience with fiber-optic cabling, terminations, and optical test equipment preferred
Hands-on experience with fiber-optic test equipment (e.g., OTDRs, optical power meters, light sources, interferometers), preferred

Responsibilities

Collaborate primarily with Design Engineering, and coordinate with Compliance Engineering, Process Engineering, Quality, and other internal and external stakeholders.
Design tests and experiments and/or coordinates with Design Engineering as needed
Perform tests and/or coordinate with outside test lab facilities to arrange testing
Determine laboratory test requirements based on internal specifications, industry standards (e.g., Telcordia GR series), and customer requirements.
Develop, author, and maintain laboratory test plans, procedures, and protocols.
Set up, execute, and monitor laboratory tests, including but not limited to: Fiber optic performance testing (insertion loss, return loss, attenuation) Mechanical testing (pull, torsion, crush, impact) Environmental testing (thermal cycling, humidity, water integrity, etc.)
Coordinate with external test laboratories to schedule and manage outsourced testing when required.
Collect, analyze, and document test data and results; prepare reports, summaries, and data tables for internal and external review.
Communicate test outcomes and recommendations and partner with internal teams to address failures through corrective actions, design updates, and process improvements.
Support design verification and validation (V&V) efforts in accordance with documented procedures.
Assist with design validation, process validation, supplier qualification testing, and other assigned laboratory testing activities.
Maintain and curate laboratory records, test reports, and technical data in approved electronic systems.
Develop and support production test plans and procedures in collaboration with Design and Quality teams.
Assist in troubleshooting nonconforming products, provide technical recommendations, and perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) as needed.
Ensure laboratory equipment is used safely and in accordance with established procedures; support calibration and maintenance activities as required.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
100% company paid Short-term and Long-term disability insurance coverage.
100% company paid Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance coverage.
100% company paid Business Travel Accident (BTA) insurance.
100% company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Additional voluntary benefits are offered.
401K plan: Maximum match is 4.5% of the first 6% of contribution.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Clearfield's Time Off Policy includes Personal Time Off (PTO) beginning at three weeks annually.
PTO is accrued on the first of the month starting on day of hire.
Voluntary Time Off (VTO) eight hours each calendar year, In addition, nine paid holidays per year.