Sr Optical Alignment Engineer - Advanced Opto-Electronics

Molex; Bridgewater Township (NJ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Retirement plan

Educational assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Molex seeks a Senior Optical Alignment Engineer to lead optical coupling strategy for photonic components to laser diodes in advanced packages. You will own alignment equipment/processes for submicron stability, and partner with R&D, design, manufacturing, suppliers and customers to meet stringent optical and Telcordia reliability standards.

You will guide design of novel optical assemblies, fiber mounts, and integration methods, ensuring high coupling efficiency while enabling scalable

Qualifications

• PhD or higher in a relevant field with 10+ years of R&D experience.
• Hands-on experience specifying optical alignment equipment for submicron tolerances.
• Experience running optics software (e.g., Zemax) to optimize designs.
• Knowledge of laser diodes, gratings, mirrors, lenses, PICs, and SOA.
• Experience with GR-468, reliability testing, and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership to design novel optical assemblies for coupling III-V laser diodes with high efficiency.
• Design fiber mounts/assembly and specify alignment equipment requirements.
• Develop submicron alignment processes and attachment methods (solder/epoxy).
• Collaborate with R&D and operations to ensure manufacturable, high-yield flows.
• Define pre-qualification testing to verify submicron optical stability for Telcordia.
• Support failure analysis and corrective actions for misalignment with internal teams and suppliers.

Skills

Optical alignment

Submicron alignment

NPI experience

Supplier/customer communication

Project leadership

Education

PhD in Optics, Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, or related

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.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

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.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

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. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aqui, or tu).