Fiber Optics R&D Engineer

About The Role

Boston Scientific is looking for a Fiber Optics R&D Engineer. This person will have experience in optical fiber technologies for medical device applications. Ideal candidate will possess knowledge of fiber processing techniques and the ability to develop and optimize manufacturing processes to enhance product performance, reliability, and manufacturability. The Fiber Optic R&D Engineer will use engineering knowledge to design, develop, verify and validate product designs in support of the company’s strategic plan.

They will contribute as part of a cross‑functional team in product design and development, process development and optimization, and verification & validation testing to support product transfer to manufacturing.

At Boston Scientific, we value collaboration and synergy. This role follows an onsite work model, requiring employees to be present in our Carlsbad, CA office, at least four to five days per week.

Boston Scientific will not offer sponsorship or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position at this time.

• Process Development:
  Develop, optimize, and validate optical fiber manufacturing processes, including polishing, cleaving, splicing, ferrule inspection, coupler / combiner / splitter assembly, glass processing, and sensor fabrication. Support scaling processes from development to full‑scale manufacturing.
• Equipment Utilization:
  Operate and maintain state‑of‑the‑art fiber processing equipment, including Fujikura cleavers and splicers, Domaille polishers, glass processors, fiber inspection scopes, and Keyence microscopes.
• Technical Expertise:
  Provide knowledge of various fiber types (single‑mode and multimode), fiber coatings, clad thicknesses, and materials. Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• End Face Processing:
  Design, optimize, and implement end‑face fiber processing techniques.
• Connector Knowledge:
  Demonstrate knowledge in common fiber connectors, including single‑fiber ceramic ferrules, multi‑fiber ferrules (MT), and linear ferrule arrays, to enhance assembly and reliability. Demonstrate competence in ferrule polishing and polishing recipe development.
• Testing and Validation:
  Demonstrate knowledge of optical test configurations for launching light into fibers, measuring light transmission, and conducting performance evaluations. Analyze data to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Perform or manage process validations (IQ/OQ, OQ, PQ). Perform Verification and Validation (V&V) and may draft protocols/reports for approval. Conduct testing to verify that the design meets the engineering specifications.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with cross‑functional teams, including R&D, quality assurance, and production, to ensure alignment on process development goals and product specifications.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  Prepare and maintain detailed documentation of processes, test results, and validation protocols. Present findings to stakeholders and contribute to technical reports. Draft design transfer documentation. Prepare documentation to support quality system for design functions (project plans, concept document, FMEA, design input, test results, drawings, etc.). Prepare technical documentation, including manufacturing instructions, test methods, drawings, BOMs, protocols and reports to support design control activities.
  
  Document engineering work in compliance with the company’s quality system.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Evaluate current manufacturing practices and identify those needing improvement. Use lean manufacturing techniques to maximize manufacturability.
• Statistical Analysis:
  Use Six Sigma Methodology (DMAIC or DMADV) and tools including Minitab, FMEA, Fishbone, Process Mapping, etc. Compile and analyze data to identify root causes, draw conclusions, generate solutions and generate reports.
• Risk Mitigation:
  Identify hazards and mitigate risk associated with identified hazards in Design and Process FMEA. Assess failure modes and conduct technical risk analysis.
• Design:
  Design process fixtures and tools. Support the development of specifications for tooling and fixturing…