Sr. Production Engineer – ML/Inspection

Applied-Optoelectronics-Inc; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Immigration sponsorships

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Generous PTO

Job summary

Applied Optoelectronics Inc in Sugar Land, TX, seeks a Senior Production Engineer – Machine Learning/Inspection to support new production line setups and equipment qualifications for ramping to mass production. The role blends mechanical design with automation to ensure quality and readiness for scale.

You will configure, test, and validate automated machinery, lead SAT with vendors, and optimize floor layouts while guiding junior engineers through commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or Computer Science.
• 2-5 years in manufacturing, process, or automation engineering.
• Proven track record in SAT execution, process validation, and production readiness.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead new production line setup, configuration, and validation activities for NPI and mass production.
• Own and execute SAT (Site Acceptance Test) with vendors, ensuring all machines meet performance, safety, and reliability standards.
• Design and optimize production floor layouts to improve flow and equipment utilization.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians during commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Support floor layout design and process flow optimization to improve efficiency and safety.
• Perform reports to management on a weekly basis on the progress of projects status.
• Lead root-cause analysis and continous improvement efforts during ramp-up or yield challenges.
• Support equipment commissioning, maintenance, and calibration activities.
• 5 ~ 10% international travel is expected for supplier visits, equipment qualification, or line setup.
• Overtime may be required during ramp-up or line setup activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in ME/Industrial/Manufacturing/CS

Tools

LabVIEW

NVIDIA software

PLC programming

Job description

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We are seeking a Senior Production Engineer – Machine Learning/Inspection to support new production line setups and equipment qualifications to maintain the production line quality. In this role, you will work on configuring, testing, and validating automated machinery and processes to ensure smooth ramp-up and readiness for mass production. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and passionate about combining mechanical design with automation solutions.

Job Duties

• Lead new production line setup, configuration, and validation activities for NPI and mass production.


• Own and execute SAT (Site Acceptance Test) with vendors, ensuring all machines meet performance, safety, and reliability standards.


• Design and optimize production floor layouts to improve flow and equipment utilization


• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians during commissioning and troubleshooting


• Support floor layout design and process flow optimization to improve efficiency and safety.


• Perform reports to management on a weekly basis on the progress of projects status


• Lead root-cause analysis and conitinous improvement efforts during ramp-up or yield challengs


• Support equipment commissioning, maintenance, and calibration activities.


• 5 ~ 10% international travel is expected for supplier visits, equipment qualification, or line setup.


• Overtime may be required during ramp-up or line setup activities.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or Computer Science


• 2-5 years in manufacturing, process, or automation engineering


• Proven track record in SAT execution, process validation, and production readiness


• Strong leadership, communication, and cross functional collaboration skills

Preferred

• Bilingual in Chinese (Mandarin) is a plus


• Experience with LabVIEW or Nvidia software environments.


• Knowledge of PLC programming or industrial automation controls.


• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and process validation concepts (Cpk, GR&R).


• Knowledge about transceivers or optical module assembly/testing is a plus

Location

This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WHY AOI?

In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs


• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals


• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year


• Relocation package available within US


• Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)