Sr. Manager, Optical Manufacturing Engineering

Supermicro; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Supermicro is seeking a highly experienced Sr Manager, Optical Manufacturing Engineering to support development and production of high-speed optical interconnects for AI and hyperscale datacenters. The role combines senior optical systems expertise with manufacturing engineering to scale CPO, OCS, and photonic technologies from concept to high-volume production.

You will drive process development, yield optimization, and quality control, oversee production lines, and collaborate across global

Qualifications

• 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).

Responsibilities

• Lead optical interconnect, transceiver and photonic equipment/process development.
• Manage full-cycle integration of active optical components onto PICs or substrates for 800G/1.6T modules, CPO and OCS.
• Define and optimize packaging and manufacturing strategies for CPO with fiber-to-chip coupling and sub-micron alignment.
• Oversee production operations, analyze and optimize processes for yield, quality, and cost.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement across the line.

Skills

Optical transceivers

Silicon photonics

CPO

OCS

Fiber-optic communication

High-speed optical module development

Optical packaging

DSP

Signal integrity

Thermal management

Manufacturing process optimization

Quality control

Lean Six Sigma

Travel flexibility

Education

Ph.D. or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or Material Science

Tools

Minitab

Power BI

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Supermicro

Supermicro® is a Top Tier provider of advanced server, storage, and networking solutions for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, Hadoop/ Big Data, Hyperscale, HPC and IoT/Embedded customers worldwide. We are the #5 fastest growing company among the Silicon Valley Top 50 technology firms. Our unprecedented global expansion has provided us with the opportunity to offer a large number of new positions to the technology community. We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join us.

Job Req ID: 30122

About Supermicro

Supermicro® is a Top Tier provider of advanced server, storage, and networking solutions for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, Hadoop/ Big Data, Hyperscale, HPC and IoT/Embedded customers worldwide. We are the #5 fastest growing company among the Silicon Valley Top 50 technology firms. Our unprecedented global expansion has provided us with the opportunity to offer a large number of new positions to the technology community. We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join us.

Job Summary

Overview Supermicro is seeking a highly experienced Sr Manager, Optical Manufacturing Engineering to support the development and production of next-generation high-speed optical interconnect solutions for AI and hyperscale datacenter infrastructure. This role combines senior-level optical systems expertise with manufacturing engineering responsibilities, focusing on Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), Optical Transceivers, Optical Circuit Switches (OCS), and related photonic technologies (800G/1.6T modules). The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge in optical networking, photonics, and fiber optics, combined with strong hands-on experience in manufacturing process optimization, quality control, and production scaling. This is a key role to build and scale advanced optical platforms from concept through high-volume production in a fast-paced, global, and collaborative environment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Optical Integration Process Development

• Work closely with engineering team in developing the integrating of optical interconnect, transceiver and photonic manufacturing equipment and process related solutions.
• Drive the full-cycle integration of active optical components (such as III-V lasers, photodiodes, and modulators) onto Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) or electronic substrates (like Silicon Photonics or thin-film lithium niobate platforms) for 800G/1.6T optical modules, CPO and OCS technology.
• Translate theoretical chip layouts into actual physical production flows. Develop the reproducible, high-yield manufacturing processes (incorporating photolithography, etching, deposition, flip-chip and wire bonding).
• Balance complex trade-offs between optical performance (responsivity, insertion loss, signal-to-noise ratio) and electrical performance (bandwidth, high-frequency RF integrity, power consumption).
• Define and optimize the physical packaging and manufacturing strategies for CPO - this includes fiber-to-chip coupling, precision sub-micron alignment, and managing thermal dissipation from adjacent high-power processors.
• Perform hands-on testing, optical alignment, and system-level validation. Work closely with test and electronics teams to ensure the optical engines communicate seamlessly with electronic drivers and TIAs (Transimpedance Amplifiers).
• Bring up transition prototypes into scalable, volume manufacturing.
• Help scale next-generation optical platforms from concept to high-volume production.
• Travel periodically to offshore and other manufacturing sites to collaborate with technology and production partners.

Manufacturing Process & Production line Support

• Oversee daily production operations for optical and electronic assemblies (including PCBA testing and optical module integration) to ensure smooth, efficient, and high-quality output.
• Analyze and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, yield, product quality, and cost-effectiveness. Implement Lean Manufacturing (5S), Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform quality control of parts, accessories, and finished products to meet industrial and company standards.
• Isolate, analyze, and troubleshoot defect products; prepare reports and work with QA teams for product and process improvements.
• Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of production equipment (mechanical, electrical, and software issues).
• Maintain accurate production records and prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports for management.
• 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 to prevent production disruptions.
• Promote safety, environmental compliance, and waste reduction initiatives.

Qualifications

• 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.
• High-speed optical module development (100G/400G/800G/1.6T).
• Optical packaging, DSP, signal integrity, and thermal management.
• 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 (standing/walking for extended periods, lifting up to 40 lbs with buddy system support, wearing required PPE).

Salary Range

$160,000 - $220,000
The salary offered will depend on several factors, including your location, level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience, and comparison to other employees already in this role. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as participation in bonus and equity award programs.

EEO Statement

Supermicro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of Supermicro to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.