As a Senior Optical Research Engineer at 3M, you will join a team of optical scientists supporting fiber optic interconnect product development and contribute to an exciting new project for the company’s Interconnect Portfolio. Your day-to-day responsibilities include supervising technicians, establishing intellectual property strategies, conducting tests, analyzing data, and collaborating with global teams on manufacturing improvements. You will also manage laboratory facilities and equipment, ensuring accuracy in technical claims published by 3M. Ideal candidates have a master's degree in optical science or engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics, along with extensive experience in fiber optics for communications systems and familiarity with data center architecture. Strong communication skills and proficiency with various laboratory test equipment are essential.
Skills
Python
MATLAB
LabVIEW
AutoCAD
Fiber Optics
Data Center Systems Architecture
Networking
Industry Standards
Product Qualification Testing
Communication Skills
Mechanical Design
Laboratory Test Equipment
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
What you'll do
Supervise and train a small team of technicians for test completion.
Establish intellectual property by analyzing competitor technology and developing strategies.
Create test plans, conduct tests, analyze data, and prepare comprehensive reports.
Collaborate with manufacturing teams to improve operations and support product development.
Manage laboratory facilities and equipment, including procurement and maintenance tasks.
Ensure technical accuracy in published literature through rigorous testing and validation.
What we're looking for
Bachelor’s degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start)
Three (3) years of optical design experience in a relevant environment
Experience with fiber optics for communications systems
Familiarity with data center systems architecture and networking
Mechanical aptitude with designing and building fixtures
Ability to interpret industry standards and provide work direction
Strong communication skills (oral, written, and presentation)
Market check
Salary context
This
$124,127–$151,710
range sits above
25%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$131,955–$218,148
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$138,729–$213,931
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
Employer
About 3M
3M is a diversified technology and manufacturing conglomerate producing thousands of products across healthcare, safety, electronics, transportation, and consumer goods. Industry: Diversified Manufacturing
3M currently has
38 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$145,676–$178,049
across 34 roles with salary data.