Senior Optical Alignment Engineer - Optical Solutions R&D

Molex; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Molex seeks a Senior Optical Alignment Engineer to lead optical coupling of photonic components to laser diodes for advanced packages (e.g., CPO, ELSFP). The role owns alignment equipment and processes to achieve sub-micron stability for long-term reliability, and partners with R&D, design, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers to meet optical, mechanical, and Telcordia reliability requirements.

You will provide technical leadership to design optical assemblies for coupling III-V laser diodes

Qualifications

• PhD in Optics, Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership to design novel optical assemblies for coupling III-V laser diodes with high efficiency.
• Design fiber mounts/assemblies including fiber lens, lenses, PICs, SOA, VBG; specify requirements for optical alignment equipment.
• Develop processes for submicron alignment (x, y, z, f) and solder/epoxy attachment of components.
• Partner with R&D and operations to ensure manufacturable, high-yield assembly flows.
• Define and oversee pre-qualification testing to verify submicron optical stability for Telcordia qualification.
• Support failure analysis investigations and corrective actions related to optical misalignment.
• Work with laser diode experts to create optimized optical designs for high coupling efficiency.

Skills

Submicron alignment

Optical coupling design

Cross-functional collaboration

NPI experience

Telcordia reliability

Laser photonics packaging

Education

PhD in Optics/Photonics/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Zemax

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 Senior Optical Alignment Engineer will lead the strategy and implementation of optical coupling of photonic components to laser diodes for advanced packages (e.g., CPO, ELSFP). This role is responsible for alignment equipment and processes to achieve sub-micron stability for 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

• Provide technical leadership to design novel optical assemblies for coupling III-V laser diodes with high efficiency
• Design corresponding fiber mounts/assembly that includes components (e.g., fiber lens, lenses, PICs, SOA, VBG); Specify requirements for optical alignment equipment
• Develop processes for submicron alignment (x, y, z, f), solder or epoxy attach of components (e.g., laser diode, ceramic mounts)
• Partner with R&D and operation teams to ensure alignment equipment/processes are compatible with manufacturable, high-yield assembly flows
• Define and oversee pre-qualification testing to verify submicron optical stability for Telcordia qualification
• Support failure analysis investigations and corrective actions associated with optical misalignment, working with internal teams, suppliers, and customers
• Work intimately with laser diode experts to create optimized optical designs for high coupling efficiency

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• PhD in Optics, Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field
• 10+ years of industry R&D experience developing optoelectronic packages transferred to manufacturing environments
• Hands-on experience specifying the design of optical alignment equipment to achieve submicron tolerances
• Experience running Optics software package/s (e.g., Zemax) to optimize optical designs
• Knowledgeable of various optical components specifications (e.g., laser diodes, gratings, mirrors, lenses, PIC, SOA)
• Experience with stable attachment methods (e.g., glass frit, solder, epoxy)
• Experience with qualification methodologies (e.g., GR-468), reliability testing, and statistical analysis tools
• Experience with optical-packaging failure modes, with a demonstrated track record in failure mode analysis and resolution
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) methodology: design, verification, qualification, release to manufacturing
• Experience effectively communicating with suppliers, customers, and cross-functional internal teams

For this role, we anticipate paying $180,000- $250,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers.

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.

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.