Principal Laser Component Engineer - Optical Solutions

Molex; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Variable pay, including bonuses

Job summary

Molex is looking for a Principal Laser Component Engineer in Fremont, California. In this role, you will propose and source components for advanced optoelectronic packages, ensuring they meet stringent reliability requirements. You will collaborate closely with R&D and product design teams.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree and at least 8 years of relevant R&D experience. The expected salary is between $150,000 and $250,000 per year, with variable pay in the form of a bonus.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of R&D experience with optical and mechanical components.
• Hands-on experience with components for high thermal power density.
• Familiar with New Product Introduction methodology.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to source components for advanced photonic packages.
• Design components such as TEC, housing, and lenses.
• Support supplier selection with technology assessments.

Skills

Leadership in sourcing components

Design of optical components

Supplier selection

High-yield manufacturing

Failure analysis

Communication skills

Education

Masters in Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Job description

Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry, delivering high-performance, field‑proven optical solutions spanning components, modules, and fully integrated line cards. We provide cutting‑edge wavelength management and amplifier technologies, supported by deep optical, mechanical, electrical, and software integration capabilities. These strengths enable Molex to serve the evolving needs of high‑density, high‑bandwidth, and flexible optical networks.

The Principal Laser Component Engineer will propose and source components for advanced optoelectronic packages (e.g., CPO, ELSFP). This role is responsible for component design and selection, performance optimization, and ensuring long-term reliability of components embedded within advanced optoelectronic packages. The position requires close collaboration with R&D and product design teams, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers to ensure laser components meet stringent optical, mechanical, and Telcordia reliability requirements.

What You Will Do

• Provide leadership to source various components integrated into advanced photonic packages
• Design components (e.g., TEC, housing, lid, getter, fiber lens or discrete lenses, fiber arrays, gratings)
• Support component supplier selection, including technology maturity assessments for robust supply chain
• Partner with product and operation teams to ensure components are manufacturable, high-yield assembly flows
• Support component supplier improvement through audits, quality improvement plans, and risk‑mitigation initiatives
• Work closely with R&D team for define/execute pre‑qualification and qualification strategies, including GR-468 Telcordia compliance
• Support failure analysis investigations and corrective actions for component related failures and manufacturing issues

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Masters in Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a closely related field
• At least 8 years of industry R&D experience with optical and mechanical components integrated into optoelectronic packages
• Hands‑on experience with various opto/mechanical components designed for high thermal power density and submicron tolerances (i.e. associated with optical alignment)
• Understands mechanical constraints
• Experience with various optical components (e.g., gratings, mirrors, lenses)
• Experience with stable attachment methods (e.g., epoxy and solder based)
• Expertise in component qualification methodologies (e.g., GR-468), product reliability testing, and statistical analysis tools
• Knowledgeable of component and optical‑packaging failure modes
• Familiar with New Product Introduction (NPI) methodology: design, verification, qualification, release to manufacturing
• Strong communication skills with suppliers, customers, and cross‑functional internal teams

For this role, we anticipate paying $150,000 - 250,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

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. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aqui, or tu).