Sr Optical Alignment Engineer - Advanced Opto-Electronics

Molex; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Molex seeks a Senior Optical Alignment Engineer in Fremont, CA to lead optical coupling strategies for photonic components and laser diodes in advanced packages. You will own alignment equipment and processes to deliver submicron stability for reliable performance.

You will collaborate with R&D, design, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers to meet stringent optical and Telcordia requirements, driving NPI, testing, and continuous improvement in high-bandwidth optical networks.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with strong R&D experience in optoelectronic packaging.
• Hands-on experience designing and specifying optical alignment equipment to achieve submicron tolerances.
• Proficiency with optical design software (e.g., Zemax) to optimize coupling.
• Experience with NPI and qualification methodologies (GR-468) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and implementation of optical coupling for photonic components to laser diodes.
• Manage alignment equipment and processes to achieve submicron stability for long-term reliability.
• Collaborate with R&D, product design, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers to meet Telcordia reliability requirements.
• Define and oversee pre-qualification testing for optical stability and Telcordia qualification.
• Support failure analysis and corrective actions related to optical misalignment with internal and external teams.
• Work with laser diode experts to optimize optical designs for high coupling efficiency.

Skills

Submicron alignment

Optical coupling

Optical design experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Statistical analysis

Education

PhD in Optics, Photonics, Mechanical Eng

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).