Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Jobtailor; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in San Jose, CA is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer specializing in optical interconnects and photonics to drive yield and production efficiency.

You will optimize transceiver assembly, participate in testing and validation of silicon photonics, and collaborate with hardware, firmware, PM, and external partners. Travel to sites may be required; strong problem-solving and Excel skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field with 5+ years of experience, or 3+ years with a Master’s, in optical communications, photonics, or electronics/high-tech manufacturing.
• Experience with optical transceivers, fiber-optic communications, and high-speed optical modules.
• Knowledge of silicon photonics, optical packaging, DSP, and signal integrity concepts.
• Manufacturing quality control, process optimization, and production line support.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize optical interconnect, transceiver, and photonic manufacturing workflows.
• Test, validate, and troubleshoot photoelectric conversion, fiber-optic systems, silicon photonics, and signal integrity issues.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, PM, and external partners on product development and deployment.
• Identify and resolve optical performance, thermal, packaging, and signal integrity challenges.
• Contribute to scaling next-generation optical platforms from development to production.
• Travel occasionally to manufacturing sites to support technology transfer and production activities.
• Provide day-to-day technical support on the production floor for optical module assembly, testing, and quality control.
• Monitor production operations for efficiency, OEE, downtime reduction, and product quality.
• Inspect parts and finished optical products; isolate defects and drive corrective actions.
• Optimize manufacturing processes using Lean Manufacturing (5S), Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
• Support equipment maintenance, calibration, and basic mechanical, electrical, and software troubleshooting.
• Maintain production records and contribute to daily, weekly, and monthly reports.
• Work with production operators and technicians to improve workflow, skills, and team efficiency.
• Monitor inventory levels of materials and tools.
• Promote safety protocols and environmental best practices on the floor.

Skills

Optical Transceivers

Fiber-Optic Communication

High-Speed Optical Modules

Silicon Photonics

Optical Packaging

Signal Integrity

Manufacturing Quality Control

Process Optimization

Data Analysis

Microsoft Excel

Pivot Tables

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Interpersonal Skills

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics, or related technical field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Pivot Tables

Statistical Tools

Job description

• Analyze and optimize advanced optical interconnect, transceiver, and photonic manufacturing solutions to improve product yield
• Participate in testing, validation, and troubleshooting of photoelectric conversion, fiber-optic communication systems, silicon photonics, and signal integrity issues
• Collaborate with hardware, Firmware, PM, and external partners on product development and deployment
• Identify and resolve optical performance, thermal, packaging, and signal integrity challenges
• Contribute to scaling next-generation optical platforms from development to production
• Travel occasionally to manufacturing sites to support technology transfer and production activities
• Provide day-to-day technical support on the production floor for optical module assembly, testing, and quality control
• Monitor production operations for efficiency, OEE, downtime reduction, and product quality
• Inspect parts, components, and finished optical products; isolate defects, analyze root causes, and support corrective actions
• Optimize manufacturing processes using Lean Manufacturing (5S), Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methods
• Support equipment maintenance, calibration, and basic mechanical, electrical, and software troubleshooting
• Maintain production records and contribute to daily, weekly, and monthly reports
• Work with production operators and technicians to improve workflow, skills, and team efficiency
• Monitor inventory levels of materials and tools
• Promote safety protocols and environmental best practices on the manufacturing floor

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 3+ years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree, in optical communication systems, photonics technologies, or electronics/high-tech manufacturing
• Practical knowledge of optical transceivers, fiber-optic communication, and high-speed optical modules
• Knowledge of silicon photonics, optical packaging, DSP, and signal integrity concepts
• Knowledge of manufacturing quality control, process optimization, and production line support
• Experience with 100G/400G/800G systems is highly desirable
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and data analysis
• Familiarity with statistical tools is a plus
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Good English communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with global teams
• Willingness to work on the production floor
• Willingness to provide occasional support outside regular hours when needed
• Physical capability to stand/walk for extended periods

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in optical communication systems, photonics technologies, and manufacturing process optimization, with a strong focus on quality control and production efficiency. Proficient in collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product development and support technology transfer.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Optical Communication Systems
• Photonics Technologies
• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma
• Microsoft Excel

Hard Skills

• Optical Transceivers
• Fiber-Optic Communication
• High-Speed Optical Modules
• Silicon Photonics
• Optical Packaging
• Signal Integrity
• Manufacturing Quality Control
• Process Optimization
• Data Analysis
• Statistical Tools

Soft Skills

• Problem-Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Interpersonal Skills
• Collaboration
• Adaptability

Industry Keywords

• Optical Module Assembly
• Production Operations
• OEE
• Downtime Reduction
• Technology Transfer
• Production Floor Support
• Inventory Management
• Safety Protocols
• Environmental Best Practices