Applications & Technical Product Support Engineer (Optics)

Samtec; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical (HSA/ PPO)

Dental

Vision

Group life

AD&D

Short/Long-term disability

EAP

401K

Paid time off

Job summary

Samtec, a global leader in electronic interconnect solutions, is seeking an Applications & Technical Product Support Engineer (Optics) for its Santa Clara area on-site team. You will develop deep expertise in optical products like FireFly Embedded Optical Modules and translate customer requirements into effective technical solutions.

You will provide hands-on design-in support, conduct laboratory optical characterization, and perform system-level debugging across signal integrity, power

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics or related field.
• Three or more years in optical module engineering, applications engineering, or technical support.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills; able to make complex concepts clear.
• Collaborative, organized, detail-oriented, and capable of cross-team work.
• U.S. citizen or resident alien, as required for ITAR compliance under 22 CFR 120.15.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain deep expertise in Samtec optical products, including FireFly Embedded Optical Modules, and translate customer requirements into effective technical solutions.
• Provide hands-on design-in support through laboratory optical characterization, performance measurements, and system-level debugging across SI, power, firmware, thermal, and optical aspects.
• Apply knowledge of industry-standard protocols to position Samtec solutions and help customers achieve system-level performance goals.
• Collaborate with sales, field application engineers, customers, engineering, and marketing to accelerate product adoption and cross-functional alignment.
• Create and maintain clear technical documentation, including data sheets and application notes.
• Deliver engaging product training and technical presentations for sales teams, partners, and customers.
• Support customers on-site and represent Samtec at trade shows and industry events.
• Identify emerging market trends and customer needs, then work with internal teams to shape future products.

Skills

Strong communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Teamwork across departments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Applications & Technical Product Support Engineer (Optics)

Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $1 Billion global manufacturer of a broad line of 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.

The salary range for this position would be in the range of $120 - $150K per year and is commensurate with experience + plus generous Samtec bonuses paid three times per year in February, August and late fall. Standard benefit offerings available are medical (HSA/PPO) dental, vision, group life, AD&D, short and long term disability, EAP, 401K plus other voluntary options, as well as paid time off.

Description: In this full-time, on-site role , you will collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to support optical transceiver solutions for machine learning, medical, military, aerospace, and other advanced applications. This position offers a dynamic mix of technical problem-solving, teamwork, customer engagement, and occasional travel.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain deep expertise in Samtec optical products, including FireFly Embedded Optical Modules, and translate customer requirements into effective technical solutions.
• Provide hands‑on design‑in support through laboratory optical characterization, performance measurements, and system‑level debugging across signal integrity, power integrity, firmware, thermal management, and optical performance.
• Apply knowledge of industry‑standard protocols to position Samtec solutions effectively and help customers achieve their system‑level performance goals.
• Partner closely with sales teams, field application engineers, customers, engineering, and marketing to accelerate product adoption, share insights, and create strong cross‑functional alignment.
• Create and maintain clear, accurate technical documentation, including data sheets, application notes, and other customer‑facing resources.
• Deliver engaging product training and technical presentations for sales teams, partners, and customers.
• Support customers on‑site and represent Samtec at trade shows and industry events.
• Identify emerging market trends and customer needs, then collaborate with internal teams to help shape future products and capabilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Three or more years in optical module engineering, applications engineering, or technical support.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills; able to make complex concepts clear.
• Collaborative, organized, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working across teams.
• U.S. citizen or resident alien, as required for ITAR compliance under 22 CFR 120.15.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Five or more years with optical modules, fiber optics, or high‑speed RF electronics.
• Customer‑facing technical support, applications engineering, or technical sales experience.
• Knowledge of opto‑mechanical and electrical design, transceiver architectures, and communication protocols.