Optoelectronics R&D Lead — Hybrid RF/Optics Systems

Fiber Broadband; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 176,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonuses three times per year

Comprehensive benefits: medical/dental

401(k) with match

Job summary

Samtec, Inc. seeks an Optoelectronics R&D Technical Leader to own the technical direction for optical transceiver products at the Silicon Valley Design Center in Santa Clara, CA.

You will guide a multi-discipline team through design, validation, and production transitions, ensuring scalable and cost-effective solutions. The role requires 4+ years in optoelectronic transceiver design, strong RF/optics knowledge, and hands-on testing experience.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in optoelectronic transceiver product design.
• Familiar with RF design tools (Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS) and optical simulation software (Zemax, OptiSystem).
• Hands-on experience with RF and optical test equipment (signal generators, network analyzers, BER tester, optical spectrum analyzers).
• Strong knowledge of RF principles (modulation, impedance, EMI) and optoelectronic concepts (fiber optics, laser diodes, dispersion).
• Ability to analyze and solve complex challenges at RF-optical intersection.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop hybrid RF-optics products, optimizing bandwidth, signal integrity, and power efficiency.
• Use RF/optical modeling tools to predict performance and refine designs.
• Lead hands-on prototype testing and validation across multiple disciplines.
• Troubleshoot RF-optical interactions and resolve issues (impedance, noise, loss).
• Collaborate with product managers and manufacturing to ensure scalable, cost-efficient designs.
• Document specifications, test procedures, and performance data for milestones.

Skills

RF-optics design

RF test & measurement

Optoelectronics theory

System-level integration

Technical leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering / RF Engineering / Photonics

Tools

Keysight ADS

Ansys HFSS

Zemax

OptiSystem

Job description

Samtec, Inc. seeks an Optoelectronics R&D Technical Leader to own the technical direction for optical transceiver products at the Silicon Valley Design Center in Santa Clara, CA.

You will guide a multi-discipline team through design, validation, and production transitions, ensuring scalable and cost-effective solutions. The role requires 4+ years in optoelectronic transceiver design, strong RF/optics knowledge, and hands-on testing experience.