Mechanical Engineer - Optical Transceiver Modules

Supermicro; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Supermicro seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineer to lead design and development of 800G and 1.6T optical transceiver modules (QSFP, QSFP-DD, OSFP).

You will own mechanical architecture, packaging, thermal solutions, and manufacturing support, aligning with MSA specs and reliability goals for hyperscale data centers and AI infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical design experience in optical transceivers or networking hardware.
• Experience with high-speed optical module packaging and MSAs (QSFP/QSFP-DD/OSFP).
• Ability to create detailed drawings and manufacturing documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical housings, heatsinks, and structural components for optical modules.
• Develop 3D models and drawings using CAD tools; define architecture for 800G/1.6T modules.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability and reliability.
• Support DFx initiatives and work with suppliers for tooling and processes.
• Prepare engineering documentation and comply with industry standards.

Skills

CAD tools proficiency

SolidWorks

PTC Creo

GD&T

DFM DFA DFc

Vibration & shock analysis

Thermal management

Mechanical design leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

PTC Creo

Job description

Mechanical Engineer - Optical Transceiver Modules

Location: San Jose, California, United States

About Supermicro:

Supermicro® is a Top Tier provider of advanced server, storage, and networking solutions for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, Hadoop/ Big Data, Hyperscale, HPC and IoT/Embedded customers worldwide. We are the #5 fastest growing company among the Silicon Valley Top 50 technology firms. Our unprecedented global expansion has provided us with the opportunity to offer a large number of new positions to the technology community. We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join us.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of next-generation 800G and 1.6T optical transceiver modules, including QSFP, QSFP-DD, and OSFP form factors. The successful candidate will be responsible for mechanical architecture, packaging design, thermal solutions, manufacturing support, and compliance with industry MSA specifications.

This role requires close collaboration with electrical, optical, thermal, manufacturing, and reliability engineering teams to deliver high-performance, cost-effective, and manufacturable optical networking products for hyperscale data center and AI infrastructure applications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Mechanical Design & Product Development

• Design and develop mechanical housings, cages, heat sinks, retainers, and structural components for optical transceiver modules.
• Create detailed 3D models, drawings, and assemblies using CAD tools such as SolidWorks and PTC Creo.
• Define mechanical architecture for high-speed optical modules supporting 800G and 1.6T Ethernet applications.
• Develop innovative packaging solutions that optimize size, performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and MSA specifications including QSFP, QSFP-DD, and OSFP.

Thermal & Structural Engineering

• Work with thermal engineering teams to develop efficient cooling solutions for high-power optical modules.
• Design heat sinks, thermal interfaces, and airflow management features.
• Perform mechanical analysis including tolerance stack-ups, structural integrity, vibration, shock, and reliability considerations.
• Support thermal validation and environmental qualification activities.

Manufacturing & NPI Support

• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Cost (DFC) initiatives.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to develop tooling, fixtures, and production processes.
• Support prototype builds, pilot production, and volume manufacturing ramps.
• Review manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions to improve yield and product quality.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Interface closely with optical, electrical, signal integrity, reliability, and manufacturing teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical leadership on mechanical design decisions.
• Support customer and supplier technical discussions related to mechanical requirements and product specifications.

Documentation & Compliance

• Generate and maintain engineering drawings, ECOs, BOMs, specifications, and design documentation.
• Ensure products meet reliability, environmental, regulatory, and industry compliance requirements.
• Maintain configuration control and documentation throughout the product lifecycle.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience in optical transceivers, networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, or related electronic products.
• Hands-on experience designing optical transceivers such as:
  • QSFP
  • QSFP28
  • QSFP-DD
  • OSFP
• Strong understanding of optical transceiver MSA specifications and mechanical requirements.
• Proficiency with CAD tools including:
  • SolidWorks
  • PTC Creo
• Experience creating detailed mechanical drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Knowledge of precision sheet metal, die-cast, machined, and plastic injection molded components.
• Experience with tolerance analysis, GD&T, and mechanical stack-up calculations.
• Strong understanding of DFM, DFA, and high-volume manufacturing processes.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project execution skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with 800G and 1.6T optical transceiver product development.
• Knowledge of thermal simulations and analysis tools.
• Familiarity with CFD and FEA tools.
• Experience supporting products deployed in hyperscale data centers and AI infrastructure.
• Understanding of optical module assembly processes and reliability testing.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and supplier qualification processes.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers and global suppliers.
• Familiarity with Ethernet and high-speed networking technologies

Salary Range

$136,000 - $150,000

The salary offered will depend on several factors, including your location, level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience, and comparison to other employees already in this role. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as participation in bonus and equity award programs.

EEO Statement

Supermicro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of Supermicro to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.