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Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Panduit · Tinley Park Rdg, IL · $80,000–$100,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 12, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a fiber optic connector or cable assembly you designed. What were the hardest tradeoffs?

What they are checking: Hands-on fiber optics design experience, which the posting says is essential.

How do you take a product from concept through launch while working with manufacturing and quality?

What they are checking: Leading the full product lifecycle across teams, which the posting describes.

Tell me about a time you used lab testing to change a design decision.

What they are checking: Using data from labs like the Innovation Center to drive design rather than assumptions.

How do you stay current on optical technology like multi-fiber connectors or co-packaged optics?

What they are checking: Keeping up with fast-moving optical technology, which the role is expected to advance.

What would you do

A prototype passes in the lab but fails after environmental cycling. How do you dig in?

What they are checking: Systematic root cause analysis on mechanical and optical failure modes.

How would you explain a fiber design tradeoff to a product manager who is not an engineer?

What they are checking: Communicating technical choices in business terms so the team can make good decisions.

What would you do if a supplier's ferrule quality started drifting during production?

What they are checking: Working with suppliers and quality teams to protect product performance in the field.

About the work

What drives insertion loss and return loss in a connector, and how do you design to control them?

What they are checking: Deep understanding of optical performance factors like alignment, end-face geometry and contamination.

How would you approach a new high-density connectivity product for an AI data center?

What they are checking: Applying optical design skill to current market needs like density, speed and serviceability.

What standards do you design fiber products against, and how do they shape your testing?

What they are checking: Familiarity with industry standards and qualification testing that customers rely on.

How do you design for manufacturability when tight optical tolerances meet high-volume production?

What they are checking: Balancing precision with cost and yield so the product can actually be built at scale.

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The full job description

As published by Panduit.

At Panduit, we don’t just offer a job – we offer a career where your contributions directly impact our customers, the environment and our company’s success. You’ll have the opportunity to grow, innovate, and be a part of an inclusive team that celebrates both individual and collective achievements. If you’re ready to elevate your career and help us deliver exceptional experiences to our customers, apply today and make your mark with Panduit! Innovation thrives when engineers are empowered to think differently, experiment boldly, and solve meaningful challenges. That’s why we’ve built an environment designed for creativity and collaboration. Our 200,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center in Tinley Park, Illinois, features 18 cutting-edge laboratories and a state-of-the-art rapid modeling tool room – all dedicated to helping you turn ideas into impactful reality. The Fiber Optics Design Engineer will drive the design and development of innovative fiber optic connectivity solutions for telecommunications, data center, and high-performance computing applications. This role leads the full product lifecycle, from concept through launch, while partnering across teams to advance cutting-edge optical technologies. Hands-on fiber optics experience is essential for this role. What You Will Do • Develop advanced fiber optic connectivity solutions , including connectors, cable assemblies, and high-density interconnect systems. • Lead products through the full development lifecycle , from concept and prototyping to testing and manufacturing release. • Execute product validation , qualification, and reliability testing for next-generation datacenter applications. • Research emerging technologies and apply innovative solutions to drive product advancement. • Partner with application engineering teams to understand customer environments, deployment challenges, and real-world use cases. • Create technical documentation , including specifications, test plans, validation reports, and application notes. • Bring creative, out-of-the-box thinking to product concepts, designs, and problem-solving. What You Will Bring • Education: Bachelor's Degree Engineering, Opto-electronics, or Optical Engineering. Advanced degrees a strong plus. • Experience : 1.5 - 5 years in related role, with application experience in fiber optic connectivity in datacenter preferred. Experience with fiber optic connectors (MPO, LC, etc) cable assemblies, optical testing, optical measurements (insertion loss, return loss, alignment sensitivity, environmental testing), optical packaging, and ferrule alignment. • Knowledge : Familiarity with optical communication transceivers, high-speed optical links, fundamentals of micro-optics or lens design, and industry standards (IEC, TIA, Telcordia). • Systems : Experience using MATLAB or Python for engineering analysis. Experience with product design in 3D CAD preferred. • Skills: Strong communication and teamwork skills. What We Can Offer You • Competitive Pay & Benefits : Enjoy a robust Total Rewards Program that includes health, financial benefits, and more. • Work-Life Balance : Flexible work options to help you achieve the perfect work-life balance. This role will require you to be in the office 50% of the time (schedule based on manager's discretion). • Generous Time Off : Take advantage of our generous vacation, sick days, holidays, plus a volunteer day to give back to the community. • Retirement & Growth : 401(k) match, profit sharing, and abundant growth and development opportunities to help you advance your career. • Parental Leave : Because we care about your family and your future. Compensation : The expected annual base salary range for this role is $80,000 - $100,000. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Making the connections that matter. Join us and apply online to be part of the Panduit team. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Panduit will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future. All roles, including remote positions, require an in-person interview as part of the hiring process. Work Shift Day (United States of America)

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