Principal Optics Manufacturing Integration Engineer

Samtec, Inc; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 159,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses paid three times a year

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Samtec, Inc. seeks a Principal Engineer for Optics Manufacturing Integration to ensure designs, materials and processes are manufacturable at pilot and high-volume scales. You will bridge R&D, NPD and Operations, guiding DFx decisions and leading technology transfers into production.

You will lead process development, DOE, FMEA, and Six Sigma for robust optical assembly processes, while mentoring engineers and supporting equipment-based manufacturing improvements across global sites.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; MS preferred.
• 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.
• Deep understanding of optical module assembly and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of DOE, FMEA, and statistical process methodologies.
• Troubleshooting production issues in factory environments.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Support root-cause analysis of manufacturing issues.
• Advise on corrective actions and process improvements.
• Maintain production stability while preserving product architecture intent.
• Mentor process and manufacturing engineers in DOE, failure analysis, and process discipline.

Skills

Optical manufacturing

DOE

FMEA

Statistical process

Cross-functional communication

Process development

Automation tools

Troubleshooting

Manufacturing equipment

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

MS preferred

Job description

Samtec, Inc. seeks a Principal Engineer for Optics Manufacturing Integration to ensure designs, materials and processes are manufacturable at pilot and high-volume scales. You will bridge R&D, NPD and Operations, guiding DFx decisions and leading technology transfers into production.

You will lead process development, DOE, FMEA, and Six Sigma for robust optical assembly processes, while mentoring engineers and supporting equipment-based manufacturing improvements across global sites.