Samtec

Principal Engineer - Optics Manufacturing Integration

Samtec • $120K — $160K *
San Diego, CA 92154In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years in optoelectronic or microelectronics manufacturing
  • Strong background in process development and assembly
  • Proven experience in technology transfer to production
  • Hands-on with automated manufacturing tools
  • Deep understanding of optical module assembly
  • Knowledge of DOE, FMEA, and statistical process methodologies
  • Strong communication skills across functions

Responsibilities

  • Develop and optimize optical assembly processes for production
  • Establish process windows using DOE, FMEA, and Six Sigma
  • Provide feedback to R&D on designs and materials
  • Lead technology transfer to manufacturing sites
  • Collaborate with operations on equipment optimization
  • Support root-cause analysis of manufacturing issues
  • Mentor engineers in process development and discipline

Benefits

  • Participation in innovative projects with cutting-edge technology
  • Opportunity for hands-on engagement in pilot production environments
  • Collaborative work with R&D and various engineering teams
  • Focus on continuous improvement and mentorship within the team
  • Potential for international collaboration during technology transfers
Full Job Description
Description

Position at Samtec, Inc

Position Summary: The Principal Engineer - Optics Manufacturing Integration is a senior individual contributor responsible for ensuring optical designs, materials, and processes are manufacturable, scalable, and production-ready. This role serves as the primary technical liaison between R&D, New Product Development, and Operations, guiding design-for-manufacturing decisions and leading the transfer of technologies into pilot and high-volume manufacturing.

Role Characteristics:
  • Senior individual contributor with strong manufacturing presence.
  • Hands-on engagement in laboratory and pilot production environments
  • Heavy interaction with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Driven to innovate with emphasis on scalability, yield, and production readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Manufacturing-Focused Process Development
    • Develop and optimize optical assembly processes suitable for pilot and production environments.
    • Establish robust process windows using DOE, FMEA, and Six Sigma methodologies.
    • Ensure processes meet reliability, quality, and qualification requirements.
    • Champion DFM strategies in early-phase design and development activities
  • R&D and Operations Interface
    • Provide manufacturing feedback to R&D on designs, materials, and assembly approaches.
    • Guide design adjustments to align with equipment capability, yield, throughput, and cost.
    • Ensure early alignment between development intent and manufacturing constraints.
  • Process Transfer & Industrialization:
    • Lead technology transfer from R&D to domestic and international manufacturing sites.
    • Own process documentation, qualifications, and readiness assessments.
    • Support production ramp-up from pilot through volume manufacturing.
  • Equipment & Automation Support:
    • Collaborate with operations teams on equipment selection, configuration, and optimization.
    • Provide hands-on technical support for automated and semi-automated assembly tools.
    • Drive novel solutions to improve yield, repeatability, and throughput.
  • Production Support & Continuous Improvement:
    • Support root-cause analysis of manufacturing issues.
    • Advise on corrective actions and process improvements.
    • Maintain production stability while preserving product architecture intent.
  • Technical Mentorship:
    • Mentor process and manufacturing engineers in DOE, failure analysis, and process discipline.
    • Establish best practices for optical assembly and handling.

Required Experience:
  • 15+ years of experience in optoelectronic or microelectronics manufacturing environments.
  • Strong background in process development, assembly, and equipment-based manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated experience transferring new technologies into production.
  • Hands-on experience with automated and semi-automated manufacturing tools.
  • Deep understanding of optical module assembly and manufacturing processes.
  • Strong knowledge of DOE, FMEA, and statistical process methodologies.
  • Practical experience troubleshooting production issues in factory environments.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills.

Required Education:
  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or
    a related field required.
  • MS preferred.

About Samtec

Samtec is a privately held $822MM global manufacturer of a broad line of electronic interconnect solutions, including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. With 40+ locations serving approximately 125 countries, Samtec?s global presence enables its unmatched customer service. Samtec designs and manufactures products, including connectors, cable assemblies, and system solutions, for all markets and applications, including data center, telecommunications, industrial, medical, military, aerospace, and automotive industries.
Learn more about Samtec
Size
5,000 employees
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Founded
1976
* Ladders Estimates

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