Optical System Test Engineer

About the role

As an Optical System Test Engineer, you'll lead systems engineering and lab management for our cutting-edge DWDM optical network. You'll work with external technical experts and collaborate with internal cross-functional teams including R&D, sales, marketing, and product management to surpass customer expectations and drive innovation.

About our team

Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry. We provide the highest performing and field-proven wavelength management solutions from components, modules to integrated line-cards. Continuous innovation in passive component function integration, miniaturization, and manufacturing automation, cutting-edge WSS and amplification technology, and comprehensive optical, mechanical, electrical, and software design capabilities enable us to serve the needs of high-density, high-bandwidth, and flexible optical networks of telecom, datacom, hyperscale datacenter, and supercomputing. We serve global clients in telecom and datacom industries by providing innovative optical modules and subsystems to support our customers' next-generation networks.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain the lab infrastructure for the optical systems.
• Develop and maintain Python-based automation scripts, tools, and frameworks to analyze, monitor, and troubleshoot network systems.
• Assess and review designs and project activities to ensure compliance with customer requirements and development guidelines, providing actionable feedback to enhance product quality.
• Define system architecture and collaborate with optical, mechanical, electrical, and firmware teams to optimize performance, power, cost, and form factor.
• Continuously improve system architecture to enhance reliability, efficiency, scalability, and fault tolerance, ensuring seamless integration across hardware, software, and network layers.
• Work closely with engineering, product management, and testing teams to analyze requirements, identify risks, and develop scalable, standards-compliant solutions.
• Design and implement module- and system-level test plans, ensuring robustness and compliance with specifications.
• Assist in customer certification tests, ensuring compliance with industry standards and performance requirements.
• Develop operational improvements in change management, workflows, and day-to-day processes.
• Provide technical support for field operations, including issue investigation, log analysis, and resolution of optical network problems.
• Document and share best practices, troubleshooting guides, and lessons learned to improve field serviceability.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering, a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience in optical communication systems such as operating and maintaining DWDM optical networks.
• Minimum of 2+ years of professional experience in Python or similar scripting languages for automation and scripting tasks.
• Hands-on experience with operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of:
  • DWDM systems (fixed and flexible grid)
  • Coherent optical transmission systems
  • Optical amplification technologies (EDFA, Raman)
  • Optical protection schemes
  • Pluggable optics and transponders
• Hands-on experience with optical test equipment for troubleshooting and validation, including OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer), OSA (Optical Spectrum Analyzer), BERT (Bit Error Rate Tester), and optical power meters.
• Design, develop, and maintain automation scripts (Python or similar) to streamline production line bring-up, testing, and validation processes.
• Write and execute test plans, automation frameworks, and validation procedures.
• Develop troubleshooting tools, diagnostic scripts, and system guides to improve operational efficiency.
• Proven customer focus with strong relationship-building skills and a track record of end-to-end problem resolution.

Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to perform logical breakdowns, root cause analysis (RCA), and cross-functional investigations involving hardware, software, and optical transport systems.
• Conduct statistical analysis of network hardware performance and incident data to identify trends and develop data-driven continual improvement plans.
• Utilize analytical insights to optimize network reliability, performance, and operational efficiency.
• Strong understanding of optical link budgets, signal integrity, and performance optimization in high-speed networks.

Pay

For this role, we anticipate paying $130,000 - $180,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

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
• May also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave, and adoption assistance

Specific eligibility criteria are set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy, or guideline, and benefits may vary by geographic region.