Principal Laser Diode Engineer

About the role

The Principal Laser Diode Engineer at Molex will lead the design, performance, and reliability assurance of semiconductor lasers used in Molex’s products. This role requires close collaboration with various teams including product design, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers.

Responsibilities

• Provide detailed technical expertise on III-V laser diode designs to guide R&D team for competitive product architectures, including design refinements such as epitaxy and process improvements to enhance supplier performance and reliability.
• Define and implement performance and reliability specifications of semiconductor lasers aligned with product requirements and roadmaps.
• Support supplier selection by conducting technology maturity assessments, reliability assessments, and modeling (e.g., using Weibull and lognormal methods).
• Conduct failure analysis investigations and develop resolution strategies for laser failures, collaborating with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Collaborate with the optical packaging team to create innovative designs like CPO and ELSFP.
• Engage in supplier development initiatives such as audits, quality improvement plans, and risk mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• PhD in Photonics, Semiconductors, Optics, or related laser technology.
• At least 10 years of industry experience with designing semiconductor lasers.
• Experience in design, epitaxy, fabrication, testing, and productization of semiconductor lasers, particularly high-power lasers and transmitters.
• Knowledge of laser and component qualification tests, including GR-468, and experience with reliability testing methodologies and tools (e.g., ReliaSoft Weibull++, ALTA, JMP).
• Track record of failure mode analysis and resolution strategies.
• Experience in creating specifications for semiconductor lasers and strong communication skills with vendors and customers.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor physics and materials science.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Skills

• Expertise in III-V laser diode design and fabrication.
• Proficiency in reliability engineering and statistical analysis.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

Molex offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, paid time off, educational assistance, and more. Specific details vary by location.

Pay

$180,000 - 300,000 per year, with the possibility of variable pay in the form of bonuses or other incentives.

Schedule

Full-time position.