Advanced Packaging Engineer

Samtec, Inc; Santa Clara, Colorado Springs, San Diego (CA, CO, CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous bonuses

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401K match / profit sharing

Job summary

Samtec, Inc is seeking an Advanced Packaging Engineer to spearhead next-generation optical and optoelectronic technologies at its Silicon Valley Design Center in Santa Clara, CA. The successful candidate will define innovative packaging architectures and lead technical developments in a collaborative environment.

Applicants should have over 15 years of experience in the relevant field, with a BS required and MS or Ph.D. preferred. A generous salary range of $220,000 – $250,000 annually, along with bonuses and comprehensive benefits, is offered.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in optical, optoelectronic, or advanced microelectronics development.
• Extensive background in materials, packaging architectures, and advanced process development.
• Proven record of technical leadership and independent problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop next‑generation optical and optoelectronic packaging architectures.
• Lead architectural trade studies considering optical performance and materials behavior.
• Support senior leadership through technical reviews and risk assessments.

Skills

Optical packaging architectures

Materials evaluation

Technical leadership

Independent problem solving

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

MS or Ph.D.

Job description

Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $1 billion global manufacturer of broad line electronic interconnect solutions, including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. Samtec Technology Centers are dedicated to developing and advancing technologies, strategies and products to optimize both the performance and cost of a system from the bare die to an interface 100 meters away, and all interconnect points in between. With 40+ international locations and products sold in more than 125 different countries, Samtec’s global presence enables its unmatched customer service.

Position Summary

The Advanced Packaging Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for conceiving, architecting, and maturing next‑generation optical and optoelectronic technologies. This role focuses on future‑state capability creation, advanced materials and packaging architectures, and long‑term technology differentiation. The position operates upstream of production and is not responsible for sustaining engineering or day‑to‑day manufacturing support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Advanced Technology & Architecture Development

• Define and develop next‑generation optical and optoelectronic packaging architectures.
• Lead architectural trade studies considering optical performance, materials behavior, and future scalability.
• Establish technology concepts that enable future product families and platforms.

Research & Early‑Stage Development

• Research emerging materials, processes, and assembly technologies aligned with long‑term company roadmaps.
• Evaluate technology readiness levels and define pathways for maturation.

Characterization & Reliability Strategy

• Define characterization and reliability evaluation methodologies for early‑stage technologies.
• Analyze optical, mechanical, and thermal data to inform design decisions.
• Identify technical risks and failure mechanisms early in development.
• Contribute to long‑term optics and optoelectronics technology roadmaps.
• Identify capability gaps and propose strategic development initiatives.
• Support senior leadership through technical reviews and risk assessments.

External Collaboration

• Identify, evaluate, and partner with material suppliers, equipment vendors, and research institutions.
• Lead joint development initiatives with external partners.
• Influence external technology roadmaps to align with future needs.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a recognized technical authority for advanced optical technologies.
• Contribute to intellectual property, publications, and technical knowledge growth.
• Mentor engineers on advanced technology concepts.

Required Education

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field required.
• MS or Ph.D. preferred.

Required Experience

• 15+ years of experience in optical, optoelectronic, or advanced microelectronics development.
• Extensive background in materials, packaging architectures, and advanced process development.
• Demonstrated experience creating and maturing new technologies from concept through early validation.
• Proven record of technical leadership and independent problem solving.

Salary and Benefits

The preferred locationfor this position is the Samtec Vista Design Centerin San Diego/Vista, CA. At this site, the salary range is $187,000 – $212,000 annually, based on experience, plus generous Samtec bonusespaid three times per year (February, August, and late fall).

A secondary optionis the Silicon Valley Design Centerin Santa Clara, CA, where the salary range is $220,000 – $250,000 annually, based on experience, plus the same bonus structure.

The third locationis the Samtec Microelectronics facilityin Colorado Springs, CO, with a salary range of $159,000 – $180,000 annually, based on experience, plus bonuses as noted above.

Relocation assistanceis available only for moves to the preferred location (San Diego/Vista, CA).

Samtec's generous benefits package includes medical (HSA/PPO) dental, vision, hearing, group life, AD&DD, short- and long-term disability, EAP, 401K match / profit sharing (Samtec will contribute 7% of your total gross pay to your 401(k) plan regardless of any contributions you make and will match the first 5% of your contribution to the 401(k)-plan dollar for dollar), plus other voluntary options, as well as paid time off.