Principal Mechanical Engineer - Optical Solutions

Molex; Bridgewater (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Molex is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to own mechanical designs of advanced optoelectronic packages in the United States. The role collaborates with R&D, product design, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers to ensure laser components meet stringent optical, mechanical, and Telcordia reliability requirements.

You will lead the design of laser diode packages, optimize optical subassemblies for high coupling efficiency, and develop hermetic and thermally managed architectures for

Qualifications

• Masters in Mechanical Engineering required with strong background in optoelectronic packaging.
• Demonstrated experience with optical alignment of components to submicron tolerances.
• Experience with NPI methodology: design, verification, qualification, release to manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and layout of laser diode packages and subcomponents.
• Design and optimize optical subassemblies to achieve submicron alignment and high coupling efficiency.
• Develop package architectures with thermal electric coolers, hermetic housings, and fiber attach features.
• Ensure compatibility with active alignment processes and drift control during solder reflow or epoxy cure.
• Perform thermal and mechanical analyses (FEA) and evaluate impact on wavelength and reliability.
• Drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM) for high-yield, scalable production.

Skills

Submicron alignment

FEA modelling

Thermal management

DFM

Supplier collaboration

Education

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEA software

CAD software

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 Mechanical Engineer will own mechanical designs of advanced optoelectronic packages (e.g., CPO, ELSFP). This role is responsible for all elements of mechanical design that relate to component design, manufacturability and long-term reliability. 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:

• Lead mechanical design and layout of laser diode packages and various subcomponents
• Design and optimize optical subassemblies (laser, lens system, isolator/grating, fiber coupling) to achieve submicron alignment with high coupling efficiency and long-term stability
• Develop package architectures integrating thermal electric coolers, submounts, hermetic housings, lids, getters, and fiber attach features
• Ensure compatibility with active alignment processes, including fixture design, alignment tolerancing, and drift control during solder reflow or epoxy cure
• Perform thermal and mechanical design analysis: FEA, thermal modelling and evaluate impact on wavelength shift
• Design for high thermal power density and ensure adequate thermal margin
• Design for hermetic sealing approaches meeting leak rate targets
• Select and qualify materials and attachment methods
• Partner with suppliers to evaluate component capability, process maturity, and long-term reliability risks
• Drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM) to enable high-yield, scalable production

What You Will Have (Basic requirements):

• Masters in Mechanical Engineering
• At least 10+ years of industry R&D experience with mechanical design of fiber-coupled optoelectronic packages developed and transferred to manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated experience with optical alignment of components to submicron tolerances, designing for high thermal power density
• Proven ability to design for submicron stability over life
• Mechanical design using Mech software package/s with finite element analysis (FEA)
• Strong background in FEA modelling to calculate stress/design from CTE mismatch, optic misalignment, thermal limits, etc.)
• Knowledgeable of various optical components (e.g., gratings, mirrors, lenses), stable attachment methods (e.g., epoxy and solder based)
• Knowledgeable in component qualification methodologies
• Experience 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 base salary $180,000 - $260,000 per year in California and $150,000 - 200,000 in New Jersey. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

Who We Are

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 Benefits

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 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, aquí, or tu).