Production Engineer – ML/Inspection

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.; Sugar Land (TX); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

401(k) matching

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous PTO policy

Immigration sponsorships

Job summary

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC in Sugar Land, TX, is seeking an entry-level Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer to plan and execute production line readiness for pilot and mass production. You will develop SOPs, work instructions, and training materials supporting ongoing processes.

The role involves collaboration with R&D for new processes, optimizing floor layouts, and assisting with equipment qualification activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or Computer Science.
• 0–2 years in manufacturing, process, or automation engineering.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and understand manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute production line setup, ensuring equipment readiness for pilot and mass production.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, Work Instructions, and training materials for production processes.
• Support inspection model training and maintain inspection accuracy to meet quality policy.
• Perform and document FAT/SAT for new or transferred equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to integrate new processes for new products and implement to production lines.
• Support floor layout design and process flow optimization to improve efficiency and safety.
• Provide feedback to mechanical design colleagues on projects or new systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, process, or equipment issues and drive root-cause corrective actions.
• Support equipment commissioning, maintenance, and calibration activities.

Skills

Problem solving

Read mechanical drawings

Analytical skills

Manufacturing processes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

LabVIEW

Nvidia software environments

PLC programming

Job description

AOI is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.

Job Duties

• Plan and execute production line setup, ensuring equipment readiness for pilot and mass production.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, Work Instructions, and training materials for production processes.
• Support inspection model training and maintain the inspection accuracy to meet our quality policy.
• Perform and document FAT/SAT (Site Acceptance Test) for new or transferred equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to integrate new processes for new products and implement to production lines.
• Support floor layout design and process flow optimization to improve efficiency and safety.
• Provide feedback to mechanical design colleagues on existing projects or design new systems with mechanical related issues.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, process, or equipment-related issues and drive root-cause corrective actions ensuring the yield stability and improvement.
• Support equipment commissioning, maintenance, and calibration activities.

5 ~ 10% international travel is expected for supplier visits, equipment qualification, or line setup.

Overtime may be required during ramp-up or line setup activities.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or Computer Science
• 0-2 years in manufacturing, process, or automation engineering
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and understand manufacturing processes

Preferred:

• Bilingual in Chinese (Mandarin) is a plus
• Experience with LabVIEW or Nvidia software environments.
• Knowledge of PLC programming or industrial automation controls.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and process validation concepts (Cpk, GR&R).
• Knowledge about transceivers or optical module assembly/testing

Location

This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WHY AOI?

In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation package available within US
• Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)