Job Summary
Optical Test Lab Engineer (Contingent Worker)
Org: RTP-NPI
Location: Menlo Park, CA (on-site)
Engagement type: Contingent Worker (CW Contractor)
Meta's mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer
together. Through our family of apps and services, we're building a different kind of company
that connects billions of people around the world, gives them ways to share what matters most
to them, and helps bring people closer together. Whether we're creating new products or helping
a small business expand its reach, people at Meta are builders at heart.
About the Role
The RTP-NPI team validates next-generation optical transceivers and co-packaged optics
(CPO) that power Meta's AI/ML data center networks. We are looking for a hands-on Optical
Test Lab Technician to support new product introduction (NPI), DVT/PVT, and characterization
test campaigns across a broad range of optical transceiver modules. You will work alongside
optical engineers to build and maintain test setups, execute repetitive module-level and
system-level tests, and keep the lab running so that engineering schedules stay on track. This
role is highly impactful: timely setup and test support directly de-risks NPI milestones and
prevents multi-week schedule slips.
Responsibilities
● Build, bring up, and maintain optical test setups, including thermal/oven chambers,
thermal stream fixtures, OCS (optical circuit switch), and test fixtures.
● Make and verify high-density fiber connections and label them accurately.
● Install, swap, and manage optical modules (e.g., 32 modules per vendor) into switches
and test platforms, including moving switches into and between ovens.
● Execute module-level and system-level optical performance tests, and monitor
long-running and repetitive test cycles.
● Support NPI, DVT/PVT, and vendor-qualification campaigns across multiple optical
module programs.
● Capture, organize, and validate test data; identify outliers; and generate plots/summaries
for engineering review.
● Provide timely lab support: troubleshoot and resolve lab/labnet issues, coordinate
failed-part RMAs, and assist with PO and test-platform assembly/validation.
● Provide flexible, responsive support during tight test windows, including times when
full-time engineers are working remotely.
Minimum Qualifications
● Bachelor's degree (or equivalent technical training/experience) in electronics, photonics,
optics, or a related technical field.
● Hands-on experience working in a hardware, electro-optical, or photonics lab
environment.
● Experience with fiber-optic handling, cable management, and testing automation with
Python.
● Comfort following detailed test procedures, performing repetitive tasks accurately, and
recording data carefully.
● Ability to work on-site, lift/move equipment, and support time-sensitive lab activities.
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience testing optical transceivers/modules (e.g., FR4, DR4, LR4, ZR, CPO) and
using optical test equipment.
● Familiarity with environmental/thermal test chambers (ovens), thermal stream, and OCS
setups.
● Experience with high-density fiber assembly (hundreds to 1,000+ connections) and DUT
setup for NPI/DVT.
● Scripting/data skills (e.g., Python) for test execution and data analysis/plotting.
● Familiarity with NPI/DVT/PVT test flows and vendor-qualification processes.
● Experience working with Ethernet switches (installation, configuration, and CLI
operation).
● Proficiency working in a Linux environment (command line, scripting, and test
automation).
● Strong organization and communication skills; able to support multiple engineers and
programs in parallel.