Optical Engineer

Flint Hills Resources; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Molex, a Koch company, in Fremont, CA is seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to own test concepts, fixtures, and validation for Co-Packaged Optics (CPO). You will run hands-on measurements and analyze results to support customers and cross-functional teams.

The role requires strong opto-mechanical intuition, fiber and free-space test methods, and clear technical communication; onsite 5 days/week in Fremont with opportunities to implement design-for-test improvements.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics or EE.
• 3+ years hands-on optical testing and characterization (fiber/free-space).
• Experience with fiber/free-space optic device test methods and common metrics (IL, RL, PDL, OSNR).

Responsibilities

• Develop and own test concepts and measurement plans for CPO modules, optical engines, and related subsystems.
• Design, build, and validate optical test setups and fixtures (fiber coupling, alignment stages, free-space benches, fiber interfaces).
• Execute hands-on measurements and characterize devices: insertion loss, return loss, PDL, crosstalk, extinction ratio, OSNR, eye diagrams.
• Automate test sequences and data collection (instrument control scripting).
• Analyze test data, perform statistical analysis, summarize technical findings.
• Troubleshoot test and integration issues; propose corrective actions and design-for-test improvements.
• Prepare technical documentation and present results to leadership and customers.

Skills

Hands-on lab skills

Optical testing experience

Data analysis skills

Cross-functional communication

Attention to detail

Education

BS in Optical Engineering/Physics/Applied Physics/EE

MS in Optical Engineering/Physics/Applied Physics/EE

Tools

OSA

Optical power meters

BERTs

Alignment stages

Fiber handling tools

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to support Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) test and validation activities. The role will own test concept development, test-fixture and setup design, test execution, data analysis, and technical communication with cross-functional teams and customers. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with fiber- and free-space-optical test methods, strong opto-mechanical intuition, and excellent communication skills.

Our Team

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

What You Will Do

• Develop and own test concepts and measurement plans for CPO modules, optical engines, and related fiber/free-space subsystems.
• Design, build, and validate optical test setups and fixtures (fiber coupling, alignment stages, free-space benches, fiber interfaces).
• Execute hands-on measurements and characterize devices: insertion loss, return loss, PDL, crosstalk, extinction ratio, OSNR, eye diagrams, and other relevant optical metrics.
• Automate test sequences and data collection (scripting for instrument control, logging, basic analysis).
• Analyze test data, perform statistical and signal-processing analysis, and summarize technical findings.
• Troubleshoot test and integration issues; work cross-functionally to implement corrective actions and design-for-test improvements.
• Prepare clear technical documentation (test plans, procedures, reports) and present results to program leadership and customers.

Core Competencies

• Strong experimental troubleshooting and hands-on lab skills.
• Ability to translate test requirements into practical, robust test setups and repeatable procedures.
• Analytical mindset with basic signal processing/statistics for optical data interpretation.
• Attention to detail and rigorous documentation practices.
• Collaborative communicator who can simplify complex results for non-specialists and engage effectively with customers.

Working Environment & Expectations

• Onsite position (5 days/week) in Fremont, CA — regular lab-based work and close in-person collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on work in optical labs and clean bench areas; must follow established safety and calibration procedures.
• Occasional customer-facing activities, technical reviews, or technology demonstration.

Who You Are (Basic Qualification)

• BS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, EE, or related physical sciences.
• 3+ years hands-on experience in optical testing and characterization (fiber and/or free-space).
• Practical experience with fiber and free-space optic device test methods and common optical metrics (IL, RL, PDL, OSNR, etc.).
• Proficiency with optical lab equipment: OSA, optical power meters, BERTs, alignment stages, fiber handling tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present technical results to cross-functional teams and customers.
• Able to work onsite in Fremont, CA; occasional travel as required.

What Will Put You Ahead

• MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, EE, or related physical sciences
• Experience specifically in CPO, optical packaging, or photonics test engineering.
• Scripting/coding for test automation and analysis (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW) — able to develop/reuse instrument-control scripts and data pipelines.
• Project management experience: tracking milestones, coordinating cross-functional tasks, and driving to deliverables.
• Exposure to reliability testing environments (thermal cycling, vibration) or electro-optical co-design constraints.

For this role, we anticipate paying $130,000 - $160,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers.

Who We Are

As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

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, ADD, 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. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

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.