Product Engineer I

Photon Kinetics is the world’s trusted standard in optical fiber testing and measurement solutions. For more than 40 years, our instruments have helped fiber and cable manufacturers deliver the performance that enables high-speed communication networks around the globe. 95% of the world’s optical fiber has been tested using our equipment. As the world moves deeper into AI-driven computing and hyperscale data centers, the demand for precise measurement and reliable optical infrastructure continues to grow.

Photon Kinetics is applying its expertise in measurement science, automation, and precision systems to help build the connectivity backbone that powers the next generation of data and AI technologies.

This role is responsible for the full lifecycle of new or existing measurement equipment and systems at Photon Kinetics — from feasibility through design, test, and handoff to manufacturing. You'll work across optical, software, and system domains to develop and enhance fiber optic test instrumentation, grounding every decision in rigorous mathematical, computational, and experimental analysis. Day-to-day, you'll collaborate closely with engineers and technicians in Engineering and interface regularly with Manufacturing, Product Marketing, and other cross-functional teams.

You'll define design parameters, establish acceptance criteria, and actively support production startup. This is a role for someone who is technically broad, comfortable owning problems of moderate complexity end-to-end, and eager to build depth in fiber optic measurement technology. You may also lead projects of moderate scope and mentor less experienced engineers as you grow into the role.

• Own at least one product or enhancement through development cycle
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  Lead or significantly contribute to a new or enhanced measurement product from feasibility and design through manufacturing handoff, with clear documentation of analysis, design decisions, and test results.
• Establish credibility as a cross-functional technical contributor
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  Build effective working relationships with Manufacturing, Product Marketing, and other departments — actively participating in design reviews and helping diagnose and resolve production startup issues.
• Develop working knowledge of PK products and key markets
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  Gain sufficient understanding of Photon Kinetics' product lines and the fiber optic test and measurement market to make informed design decisions and contribute meaningfully to product strategy discussions.

• Conduct feasibility studies of measurement methods using mathematical and computational analysis
• Design and assemble equipment and fixtures for experimental testing of measurement methods
• Record and clearly document results and conclusions of analytical and experimental studies

• Define design parameters for measurement equipment and systems
• Perform optical, software, and system design of new and enhanced measurement equipment
• Apply scientific, mathematical, and engineering concepts to solve problems of moderate scope and complexity
• Exercise judgment within broadly defined guidelines to design, develop, and introduce new or enhanced products into manufacturing

• Define test and acceptance criteria for finished products
• Assist Manufacturing in developing test procedures and diagnosing problems during production startup
• Create or update the documentation used by manufacturing personnel to build or maintain the product
• Manage or lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Train or mentor less qualified scientists and engineers
• Schedule, plan, and prioritize own work in alignment with Photon Kinetics goals
• Develop cross-discipline technical and design skills

• Interact daily with managers, engineers, and technicians in Product Development Engineering
• Collaborate weekly with project team members from Manufacturing, Product Marketing, Procurement, and Scheduling
• Occasionally support Marketing or Customer Support in solving customer-facing technical problems
• Interact with suppliers as needed