Specialist, R&D - Product Development Support - Physical Science

A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America's largest wire and cable producers. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment, electrical components, hand tools and jobsite power and lighting solutions. The company also offers digital solutions including contractor planning and utility grid resiliency as well as field services including cable testing, rejuvenation and replacement to support our customers as a value-add partner. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, employee benefits, tuition reimbursement and unlimited growth opportunities. Our more than seven decades of progressive growth can be attributed to our determination to developing innovative systems and solutions, exercising environmental stewardship and enhancing the well-being of the communities in which we work and live. How will you power what's possible?

Location: Cofer Center

Job Summary

The Technical Product Development Specialist - Fiber Optic is responsible for executing laboratory activities in compliance with the laboratory's Quality Management System (QMS), with a primary focus on fiber optic testing and a secondary role supporting industrial and business cable testing.

Approximately 60% of the role is dedicated to fiber laboratory operations, including optical cable qualification testing utilizing equipment such as Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR), fusion splicer, software and mechanical based metrology equipment. The technician diagnoses fiber breaks, faulty connections, and signal degradation using specialized diagnostic tools, verifies that all fiber installations meet defined loss budgets and performance standards (e.g., ICEA S-87-640, TIA 568), and maintains detailed documentation including test reports, trace analyses, and system records for internal management and client use. Responsibilities also include routine inspection and maintenance activities, such as connector cleaning and proactive repairs, to prevent service degradation or outages, record keeping.

The remaining 40% of the role supports industrial and other business cable testing as required. This includes conducting tests to applicable industry standards such as UL, CSA, ASTM, SAE, and ISO. The technician analyzes test results, communicates nonconformities to laboratory management, and prepares accurate, concise reports that support new product development, cost out initiatives, regulatory compliance, manufacturing process support, and commercial business needs

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong creative problem solving skills and adaptability in developing novel, practical testing solutions to meet evolving technical and business requirements.
• Develop test procedures; read, interpret, and apply industry standards; prepare test samples; and perform testing in strict accordance with prescribed standards.
• Operate effectively in a hands on, detail oriented, and time constrained laboratory environment, with approximately 90% of time dedicated to execution of testing to industry standards.
• Manage multiple projects [ZC1.1][JK1.2]with competing priorities, supporting a dynamic, market driven development environment.
• Inspect, maintain, and verify testing equipment to ensure measurement accuracy and testing integrity, including routine quality checks and documentation review.
• Conduct UL DAP certification testing and actively support the maintenance of UL DAP accreditation.
• Accurately, clearly, and impartially analyze and report test results in accordance with established laboratory procedures. This includes customer focused test reports and UL and CSA data packages supporting new product listings.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory workspace by applying 5S and general laboratory safety principles.

Required Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level: High School Diploma

Specialized Degree: Click or tap here to enter text.

Certificates: Click or tap here to enter text.

Years of Experience: 2-5

Field of Expertise: Wire and Cable/Lab

Preferred Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level: Bachelors

Specialized Degree: Any applied science or engineering degree

Certificates: CFOT, CFOS/T, CFOS/S, CFOS/C, CFOS/FC

Years of Experience: 5+

Preferred Field of Expertise: Wire and Cable or Applicable Industry

Other

Other Preferred Skills, Licenses, & Certificates:

• Fiber Optic Systems & Testing: Experience with fiber optic communication cables and associated testing methodologies, including performance verification and troubleshooting.
• Industry Standards & Compliance: Working knowledge of UL, CSA, ICEA, Telcordia, and automotive industry standards, with experience supporting compliance testing and certification activities.
• Wire & Cable Manufacturing: Familiarity with wire and cable manufacturing processes, including materials, construction methods, and quality considerations.
• Materials Characterization Techniques: Exposure to analytical techniques such as FTIR, TGA, XRF, and other relevant laboratory characterization tools.
• Polymer Processing: Experience with polymer extrusion and polymer based materials, including understanding of material behavior and processing considerations.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong team player with the ability to communicate effectively across cross functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, quality, and commercial stakeholders.
• Technical Writing and Comprehension: Strong technical writing and reading skills with the ability to write technical reports effectively recording and communicating test results, and interpret complex machinery manuals and industry standards

Spans of Control

Spans of Control (Reporting relationships and geographical scope)

Reports To (Supervisor Title): Manager, Industrial Product Development

Does this role Manage Southwire Team Members: No

Scope: Single Location

Travel

Travel: Domestic

% of Time: Up to 50%

Physical Requirements

Workplace Setting:In Office / On Site (4+ days a week)

Physical Requirements

Carrying/Lifting % Time 5%

Weight: Up to 50 lbs

Standing % Time 45%

Sitting % Time 45%

Walking % Time 5%

Pushing/Pulling % Time 5%

Weight: 50 lbs or greater

Other

Will work in plants and be required to interact with machinery. Will need visual acuity to be able to distinguish between shades of optical fibers. Will need to have the ability to maintain fine motor control for extended periods of time.

Working Conditions

Laboratory

Plant Floor

Extreme Heat/Cold

Heights/Elevated Platforms

Confined Spaces

Dust/Fumes/Gases/Chemicals

Loud Noise

Equipment

Computer/Keyboard

Safety Glasses

Safety Shoes

Hard Hat

Power Tools

Heavy Machinery

Competencies

Nimble Learning

Customer Focus

Plans and Aligns

Collaborates

Balances Stakeholders

Action Oriented

Skills

Benefits We Offer:

• 401k with Matching
• Family and Individual Insurance Packages (Health, Life, Dental, and Vision)
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Long & Short-Term Disability
• Supplemental Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Advancement & Professional Growth opportunities
• Parental Leave
• & More

Southwire is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.