Components Engineer - Fiber Optics & Optical Systems

Job#: 3047649 Job Description: Component Engineer (Fiber Optics & Optical Systems) Location: Linthicum, MD Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required Schedule: Full-Time | Onsite Overview Our client is seeking a Component Engineer to support the management, qualification, selection, and lifecycle planning of fiber optic, opto-electronic, and optical components used in advanced engineering programs. This role offers an opportunity to work closely with design engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and external suppliers to ensure the long-term success and reliability of critical hardware solutions. The ideal candidate will have deep technical knowledge of optical and fiber optic components, strong cross-functional leadership skills, and experience supporting component lifecycle management, obsolescence planning, supplier engagement, and engineering change processes. Key Responsibilities Manage the selection, qualification, and lifecycle support of fiber optic, opto-electronic, and optical components.Prepare and review technical data packages for Design Team and Configuration Control Board (CCB) reviews.Generate and review screening and qualification test plans for component approval activities.Analyze and identify alternate components to address obsolescence, long lead times, and component standardization initiatives.Support DMSMS (Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages) and end-of-life (EOL) management activities.Maintain ownership of component requirements and approved component selections across supported programs.Lead new component requests, approvals, and component drawing development activities.Support failure investigations, Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) reviews, and problem resolution efforts.Ensure component authenticity, traceability, environmental suitability, and program compliance requirements.Chair commodity review teams responsible for evaluating component usage across commercial, industrial, military, and space-grade applications.Manage multiple priorities and coordinate cross-functional activities to meet program schedules and objectives.Develop and maintain component technology roadmaps and long-term component strategies.Influence system architecture and performance decisions through technical trade studies and engineering recommendations.Support major engineering milestones, including design reviews and technical assessments.Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and engineering teams to identify and implement optimal technical solutions. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or another STEM-related discipline with 12+ years of experience, ORMaster's degree with 10+ years of experience, ORPhD with 8+ years of experience.An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance.U.S. Citizenship required.Minimum 6 years of experience working with fiber optic, opto-electronic, and/or optical components and systems.Experience leading technical reviews, presentations, and small engineering teams.Experience collaborating with cross-functional organizations, including:Design EngineeringManufacturing EngineeringProduction EngineeringQuality EngineeringSupply ChainProcurementStrong technical understanding of component lifecycle management and engineering change processes. Preferred Qualifications 8+ years of engineering experience supporting fiber optic, opto-electronic, and optical components and systems.Strong understanding of:Geometric opticsPhysical opticsFiber optic fundamentalsExperience establishing component qualification standards, acceptance criteria, validation methodologies, and best practices.Hands-on experience with optical metrology, testing, inspection, and measurement equipment.Experience developing engineering processes, standards, and technology roadmaps.Experience evaluating suppliers and participating in technical negotiations.Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) tools such as Siemens Teamcenter or similar platforms.Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements, including:Specialty MetalsCounterfeit Part PreventionConflict MineralsKnowledge of industry standards including:ISOIECTelcordiaIPCVITAJEDECMIL-STDNASA standardsStrong understanding of system-level optical performance, tolerance analysis, and integration tradeoffs.Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. 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