Sr. Manager, Optical Manufacturing Engineering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus programs

Equity

Job summary

Supermicro is seeking a Sr Manager, Optical Manufacturing Engineering to develop and scale next-generation optical interconnects for AI and hyperscale datacenters. This senior role combines optical systems expertise with manufacturing responsibilities, spanning integration, packaging, and production engineering.

The ideal candidate has deep photonics knowledge, hands-on experience with PICs, transceivers, and high-volume production, and will lead cross-functional teams across global sites with a

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 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 to 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee optical integration process development and full-cycle assembly for 800G/1.6T modules.
• Scale photonic platforms from concept to high-volume production while ensuring yield and quality.
• Lead manufacturing line support, quality control, and Lean/Six Sigma initiatives.
• Provide training and guidance to operators; manage inventory and safety/compliance.

Skills

Optical transceivers

Silicon photonics

CPO

OCS

Fiber optics

DSP

Thermal management

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Minitab

Power BI

Excel

English skills

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering

MS in Photonics

Tools

Photonic testing equipment

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 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 OSC 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.