Senior Manager, Optical Manufacturing Engineering

Jobtailor; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in California seeks a senior manufacturing/optical lead to oversee daily production of optical and electronic assemblies, with emphasis on high-speed interconnects for 800G/1.6T modules. You will translate chip layouts into scalable production flows, optimize photolithography and packaging, drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, and collaborate with global teams while traveling as needed.

Candidates with 8+ years in photonics and semiconductor packaging, and strong English

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MS in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science.
• Deep understanding of semiconductor physics, optoelectronic device behavior, and cleanroom microfabrication.
• Experience with optical bench testing, fiber alignment equipment, and packaging tools.
• 8+ years in optical communication systems, photonics, or electronics manufacturing.
• Expertise in optical transceivers, silicon photonics, CPO/OCS, and high-speed module development.
• Strong skills in DSP, signal integrity, and thermal management.
• Experience building new products or teams from 0→1 is preferred.
• Familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma and advanced Excel; strong English communication.

Responsibilities

• Support development and production of next-gen high-speed optical interconnects for AI/datacenter infra.
• Develop and integrate optical interconnect, transceiver, and photonic manufacturing equipment.
• Drive full-cycle integration of active optical components onto PICs or substrates for 800G/1.6T modules.
• Translate layouts into physical production flows and reproducible, high-yield processes.
• Optimize photolithography, etching, deposition, flip-chip, and wire-bonding processes.
• Balance optical and electrical performance trade-offs and optimize packaging strategies.
• Perform hands-on testing, optical alignment, and system-level validation with teams.
• Transition prototypes into scalable, high-volume manufacturing; travel to offshore sites.
• Oversee daily production operations for optical/electronic assemblies and PCBA testing.
• Analyze and optimize processes for efficiency, yield, quality, and cost.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain production records and provide management reports; train operators/technicians.

Skills

Optoelectronic Device Behavior

Cleanroom Microfabrication Processes

Optical Bench Testing

Fiber Alignment Equipment

Semiconductor Packaging Tools

Statistical Analysis Tools

Optical Transceivers

Silicon Photonics

DSP

Signal Integrity

Education

Ph.D. or MS in Electrical Engineering / Photonics / Optical Engineering / Physics / Materials Science

Tools

Minitab

Power BI

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Support development and production of next-generation high-speed optical interconnect solutions for AI and hyperscale datacenter infrastructure
• Develop and integrate optical interconnect, transceiver, and photonic manufacturing equipment and process solutions
• Drive full-cycle integration of active optical components onto Photonic Integrated Circuits or electronic substrates for 800G/1.6T optical modules, CPO, and OCS technology
• Translate chip layouts into physical production flows and develop reproducible, high-yield manufacturing processes
• Optimize photolithography, etching, deposition, flip-chip, and wire-bonding processes
• Balance optical and electrical performance trade-offs
• Define and optimize CPO packaging and manufacturing strategies, including fiber-to-chip coupling, sub-micron alignment, and thermal dissipation
• Perform hands-on testing, optical alignment, and system-level validation with test and electronics teams
• Transition prototypes into scalable, high-volume manufacturing
• Travel periodically to offshore and other manufacturing sites to collaborate with technology and production partners
• Oversee daily production operations for optical and electronic assemblies, including PCBA testing and optical module integration
• Analyze and optimize processes for efficiency, yield, quality, and cost-effectiveness
• Implement Lean Manufacturing (5S), Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Perform quality control of parts, accessories, and finished products
• Troubleshoot defective products, prepare reports, and work with QA teams on product and process improvements
• Ensure maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of production equipment
• Maintain production records and prepare daily, weekly, and monthly management reports
• Provide technical guidance and training to production operators and technicians; develop skill matrices and team development plans
• Monitor inventory of raw materials, tools, and spare parts
• Promote safety, environmental compliance, and waste reduction initiatives

Requirements

• Ph.D. or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or Material Science
• Deep understanding of semiconductor physics, optoelectronic device behavior, and cleanroom microfabrication processes
• Experience with optical bench testing, fiber alignment equipment, and semiconductor packaging tools
• 8+ years of experience in optical communication systems, photonics technologies, and/or electronics manufacturing, preferably in high-tech or semiconductor industries
• Strong expertise in optical transceivers, silicon photonics, CPO, OCS, and fiber-optic communication
• Strong expertise in high-speed optical module development (100G/400G/800G/1.6T)
• Strong expertise in optical packaging, DSP, signal integrity, and thermal management
• Strong expertise in manufacturing process optimization, quality control, and production line support
• Experience building new products, platforms, or teams from 0 → 1 is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, statistical analysis tools (Minitab, Power BI), and advanced Microsoft Excel
• Excellent English communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively across global, cross-functional teams
• Willingness to travel and provide occasional off-hours support for production needs
• Physical ability to perform manufacturing floor tasks, including standing/walking for extended periods, lifting up to 40 lbs with buddy system support, and wearing required PPE

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in optical interconnect solutions, including optical transceivers and high-speed module development, while optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring quality control. Proficient in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive efficiency and continuous improvement in production environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Optical Communication Systems
• High-Speed Optical Module Development
• Manufacturing Process Optimization
• Lean Manufacturing
• Optical Packaging

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Optoelectronic Device Behavior
• Cleanroom Microfabrication Processes
• Optical Bench Testing
• Fiber Alignment Equipment
• Semiconductor Packaging Tools
• Statistical Analysis Tools
• Optical Transceivers
• Silicon Photonics
• DSP
• Signal Integrity

Soft Skills

• Excellent English Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Team Collaboration

Industry Keywords

• Photonic Integrated Circuits
• CPO
• OCS Technology
• Quality Control
• Production Line Support

Tools & Technologies

• Minitab
• Power BI
• Microsoft Excel