Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Jobtailor; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in San Jose, CA is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer specializing in optical interconnects and photonics to drive yield and production efficiency.

You will optimize transceiver assembly, participate in testing and validation of silicon photonics, and collaborate with hardware, firmware, PM, and external partners. Travel to sites may be required; strong problem-solving and Excel skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field with 5+ years of experience, or 3+ years with a Master’s, in optical communications, photonics, or electronics/high-tech manufacturing.
• Experience with optical transceivers, fiber-optic communications, and high-speed optical modules.
• Knowledge of silicon photonics, optical packaging, DSP, and signal integrity concepts.
• Manufacturing quality control, process optimization, and production line support.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize optical interconnect, transceiver, and photonic manufacturing workflows.
• Test, validate, and troubleshoot photoelectric conversion, fiber-optic systems, silicon photonics, and signal integrity issues.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, PM, and external partners on product development and deployment.
• Identify and resolve optical performance, thermal, packaging, and signal integrity challenges.
• Contribute to scaling next-generation optical platforms from development to production.
• Travel occasionally to manufacturing sites to support technology transfer and production activities.
• Provide day-to-day technical support on the production floor for optical module assembly, testing, and quality control.
• Monitor production operations for efficiency, OEE, downtime reduction, and product quality.
• Inspect parts and finished optical products; isolate defects and drive corrective actions.
• Optimize manufacturing processes using Lean Manufacturing (5S), Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
• Support equipment maintenance, calibration, and basic mechanical, electrical, and software troubleshooting.
• Maintain production records and contribute to daily, weekly, and monthly reports.
• Work with production operators and technicians to improve workflow, skills, and team efficiency.
• Monitor inventory levels of materials and tools.
• Promote safety protocols and environmental best practices on the floor.

Skills

Optical Transceivers

Fiber-Optic Communication

High-Speed Optical Modules

Silicon Photonics

Optical Packaging

Signal Integrity

Manufacturing Quality Control

Process Optimization

Data Analysis

Microsoft Excel

Pivot Tables

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Interpersonal Skills

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics, or related technical field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Pivot Tables

Statistical Tools

Job description

Jobtailor in San Jose, CA is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer specializing in optical interconnects and photonics to drive yield and production efficiency.

You will optimize transceiver assembly, participate in testing and validation of silicon photonics, and collaborate with hardware, firmware, PM, and external partners. Travel to sites may be required; strong problem-solving and Excel skills are essential.