Senior Optical Engineer — Lead WSS & DGE Innovation

Molex; Bridgewater Township (NJ); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Molex in Bridgewater Township, NJ seeks a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design and prototyping of next-generation WSS and DGE modules. You will own system architecture from concept to production, mentor engineers, and drive innovative optical solutions with a strong emphasis on performance, size, and cost.

The role requires deep optics expertise, fiber coupling, and experience guiding cross-functional teams through complex programs, with hands-on prototyping and validation to ensure

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering, Physics, Photonics or related field.
• 10+ years of optical design in a product development environment.
• Deep theoretical and practical experience in optics and fiber coupling.
• Extensive experience with Zemax and modeling complex optical systems.
• Proven track record of taking designs from concept to production.
• Ability to mentor engineers and act as a technical authority.
• Experience with LCOS, MEMS, precision lenses and polarization optics is a plus.
• Experience with opto-mechanical integration and tolerance stack-ups.
• Experience with spectrometer design is a big plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the innovation and detailed design of next generation WSS and DGE modules.
• Develop advanced free-space optical system designs including beam collimation and shaping.
• Own optical system architecture from concept through feasibility, design reviews and release.
• Drive innovation initiatives to improve performance, reduce size, and lower cost.
• Perform Zemax-based simulations including ray tracing, tolerancing and stray light analysis.
• Translate performance requirements into detailed optical specs and budgets.
• Work with opto-mechanical engineers for packaging, alignment, and manufacturability.
• Lead design reviews and justify decisions with simulations and analysis.
• Contribute to IP development and invention disclosures.

Skills

Optical design

Fiber coupling

Mentorship & leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Cost-aware design

Spectrometer concepts

Education

PhD in Engineering/Physics/Photonics

Tools

Zemax

Job description

Molex in Bridgewater Township, NJ seeks a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design and prototyping of next-generation WSS and DGE modules. You will own system architecture from concept to production, mentor engineers, and drive innovative optical solutions with a strong emphasis on performance, size, and cost.

The role requires deep optics expertise, fiber coupling, and experience guiding cross-functional teams through complex programs, with hands-on prototyping and validation to ensure