Optical Automation Engineer

Molex; Bridgewater Township (NJ); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Flexible spending and health savings accounts

Paid vacation/time off

Job summary

Molex is seeking an Optical Automation Engineer to enhance automated optical test systems. This position involves hands-on optical lab work alongside software development, automating measurements, and collaborating with engineers in multiple disciplines.

Join our dedicated Optical Engineering team in Bridgewater, NJ, where you'll work on next-generation wavelength selective switches and gain significant exposure to cutting-edge optical communication technologies. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in optics and programming.

Qualifications

• Hands-on or theoretical knowledge of fiber optics, lasers, detectors, and basic telecom concepts.
• Experience controlling instruments via VISA/SCPI, serial, USB, Ethernet, or GPIB.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to ask clarifying questions and document outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Support and improve automated optical test systems used for development and validation.
• Work directly with optical lab equipment and help integrate it into automated workflows.
• Develop and maintain test automation software primarily in C and Python.

Skills

Optics/Photonics knowledge

Programming in Python

Programming in C/C++

Fiber optics experience

Optical test equipment familiarization

Collaboration and communication

Education

BS/MS in Physics, Optics/Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

Optical Spectrum Analyzers

LabWindows/CVI

Python

Job description

Your Job

We are seeking an Optical Automation Engineer to help build and improve automated optical test systems. This role blends hands‑on optical lab work with software development: you'll help automate measurements, integrate optical instruments, and collaborate with engineers across optics, hardware, mechanical, and software disciplines.

Our Team

Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry. We provide the highest performing field‑proven wavelength management solutions from components to modules and integrated line‑cards. Continuous innovation in passive component function integration, miniaturization, and manufacturing automation, cutting edge WSS and amplifier technology and comprehensive optical, mechanical, electrical and software integration capabilities enable us to serve the needs of high‑density, high‑bandwidth, and flexible optical networks.

Our Bridgewater location is home to a large, multidisciplinary Optical Engineering team dedicated to the innovation, design, development, and prototyping of next‑generation wavelength selective switches (WSS) and dynamic gain equalization (DGE) modules. These highly sophisticated products leverage state‑of‑the‑art optical technologies and represent some of the most advanced solutions in industry. The selected candidate will gain extensive hands‑on exposure to cutting‑edge advancements in optical communications and play a direct role in shaping the evolution of high‑capacity optical networks deployed by hyperscale customers.

What You Will Do

• Support and improve automated optical test systems used for development and validation.
• Work directly with optical lab equipment (e.g., Optical Spectrum Analyzers, power meters, optical switches) and help integrate it into automated workflows.
• Develop and maintain test automation software (primarily C in LabWindows/CVI and Python).
• Help troubleshoot issues across optical setup behavior, instrument communication, and software.
• Learn an existing codebase and contribute improvements in a structured, maintainable way.
• Participate in code reviews and incorporate feedback to improve quality and reliability.
• Document requirements and decisions, create well‑scoped tickets, and keep work status updated.
• Collaborate with teammates across software, optics, hardware, and mechanical engineering.

How we work (collaboration & communication)

• You’ll work as part of a team and partner with engineers in multiple disciplines.
• We value clear communication, thoughtful questions, and written documentation that helps others move faster.
• Feedback is part of the process: code reviews are used to share context and improve quality.
• Responsible AI use; i.e., AI tools are used only within company policy.
• You may not upload company or confidential information to personal AI accounts or public AI services.
• AI‑assisted code or documentation remains your responsibility and must follow the standard review process.
• AI‑assisted changes must align with the existing architecture (or clearly justify improvements) and avoid unnecessary complexity‑reusability matters.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• BS/MS in Physics, Optics/Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience in optics/telecom.
• Hands‑on or theoretical knowledge of fiber optics, lasers, detectors, modulation, attenuation/OSNR, WDM, link budgets, and basic telecom concepts.
• Comfortable in labs and with test setups. Experience controlling instruments via VISA/SCPI, serial, USB, Ethernet, or GPIB.
• Programming experience in Python and C/C++ (OOP); familiar with Windows APIs/DLLs. Able to learn and write production‑quality code with support.
• Exposure to C‑based test automation and automating repetitive tasks (scripts, small tools, data collection/analysis).
• Experience with optical test equipment (OSA, powermeter, tunable lasers, optical switches, attenuators).
• Experience debugging HW/SW interactions (labs, capstone, internships, or industry).
• Familiar with software‑quality practices including version control, testing, and code reviews.
• Strong collaboration and communication such as asking clarifying questions, sharing progress, and documenting outcomes.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Experience in Physics and/or Optics‑related software processes.
• Knowledge of National Instruments’ LabWindows programming environment.

Compensation

For this role, we anticipate paying $125,000 - $140,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength – focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, AD&D, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E‑Verify.