Principal Engineer- Optics Manufacturing Integration

Samtec, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 159,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Bonus program

Job summary

Samtec, Inc. seeks a Principal Engineer - Optics Manufacturing Integration at its Vista Design Center. The role ensures optical designs and processes are manufacturable, scalable, and production-ready, serving as the main liaison between R&D, NPD, and Operations.

Responsibilities include developing pilot-to-production processes, guiding DFMA, and leading technology transfer to global sites while maintaining quality, cost, and throughput targets.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required.
• MS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize optical assembly processes for pilot and production.
• Provide manufacturing feedback to R&D on designs, materials, and assembly approaches.
• Lead technology transfer from R&D to domestic and international sites.
• Collaborate with operations on equipment selection, configuration, and optimization.
• Support production ramp-up from pilot through volume manufacturing.
• Mentor engineers in DOE, failure analysis, and process discipline.

Skills

DOE

FMEA

Statistical process control

Cross-functional communication

Troubleshooting

Automated tooling

Education

BS in Electrical/Materials/Mechanical Eng

MS preferred

Tools

Automated manufacturing tools

Job description

Samtec, Inc.

Position Title: Principal Engineer- Optics Manufacturing Integration

Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $1 billion global manufacturer of broad line electronic interconnect solutions, including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. Samtec Technology Centers are dedicated to developing and advancing technologies, strategies and products to optimize both the performance and cost of a system from the bare die to an interface 100 meters away, and all interconnect points in between. With 40+ international locations and products sold in more than 125 different countries, Samtecs global presence enables its unmatched customer service.

Position Summary

The Principal Engineer Optics Manufacturing Integration is a senior individual contributor responsible for ensuring optical designs, materials, and processes are manufacturable, scalable, and production-ready. This role serves as the primary technical liaison between R&D, New Product Development, and Operations, guiding design-for-manufacturing decisions and leading the transfer of technologies into pilot and high-volume manufacturing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Manufacturing-Focused Process Development

• Develop and optimize optical assembly processes suitable for pilot and production environments.
• Establish robust process windows using DOE, FMEA, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ensure processes meet reliability, quality, and qualification requirements.
• Champion DFM strategies in early-phase design and development activities.

R&D and Operations Interface

• Provide manufacturing feedback to R&D on designs, materials, and assembly approaches.
• Guide design adjustments to align with equipment capability, yield, throughput, and cost.
• Ensure early alignment between development intent and manufacturing constraints.

Process Transfer & Industrialization

• Lead technology transfer from R&D to domestic and international manufacturing sites.
• Own process documentation, qualifications, and readiness assessments.
• Support production ramp-up from pilot through volume manufacturing.

Equipment & Automation Support

• Collaborate with operations teams on equipment selection, configuration, and optimization.
• Provide hands‑on technical support for automated and semi-automated assembly tools.
• Drive novel solutions to improve yield, repeatability, and throughput.

Production Support & Continuous Improvement

• Support root‑cause analysis of manufacturing issues.
• Advise on corrective actions and process improvements.
• Maintain production stability while preserving product architecture intent.

Technical Mentorship

• Mentor process and manufacturing engineers in DOE, failure analysis, and process discipline.
• Establish best practices for optical assembly and handling.

Required Education

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, ora related field required.
• MS preferred

Required Experience

• 15+ years of experience in optoelectronic or microelectronics manufacturing environments.
• Strong background in process development, assembly, and equipment‑based manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience transferring new technologies into production.
• Hands‑on experience with automated and semi-automated manufacturing tools.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of optical module assembly and manufacturing processes.
• Strong knowledge of DOE, FMEA, and statistical process methodologies.
• Practical experience troubleshooting production issues in factory environments.
• Strong cross‑functional communication skills.

Citizenship / Clearance Requirement

• U.S. Citizenship or Green Card required.

Role Characteristics

• Senior individual contributor with strong manufacturing presence.
• Hands‑on engagement in laboratory and pilot production environments.
• Heavy interaction with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering.
• Driven to innovate with emphasis on scalability, yield, and production readiness.

Salaryand benefit offerings:

Thepreferred locationfor this position is theSamtec Vista Design CenterinSan Diego/Vista, CA. At this site, the salary range is$187,000 $212,000 annually, based on experience, plusgenerous Samtec bonusespaid three times per year (February, August, and late fall).

Asecondary optionis theSilicon Valley Design CenterinSanta Clara, CA, where the salary range is$220,000 $250,000 annually, based on experience, plus the same bonus structure.

Thethird locationis theSamtec Microelectronics facilityinColorado Springs, CO, with a salary range of$159,000 $180,000 annually, based on experience, plus bonuses as noted above.

Relocation assistanceis availableonly for moves to the preferred location(San Diego/Vista, CA).

Samtec's generous benefits package includes medical (HSA/PPO) dental, vision, hearing, group life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability, EAP, 401K match / profit sharing (Samtec will contribute 7% of your total gross pay to your 401(k) plan regardless of any contributions you make and will match the first 5% of your contribution to the 401(k)-plan dollar for dollar), plus other voluntary options, as well as paid time off.

SAMTEC, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to creating a diverse environment. All employment decisions at Samtec are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, pregnancy or parental status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity/expression, marital status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.