Senior Optical Engineer - Optical Solutions

About the role

Molex is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design and prototyping of our next-generation optical products. The role involves engaging early in new product development, developing expertise in optical system architecture, translating innovative optical concepts into prototypes, and conducting detailed technical investigations.

Responsibilities

• Engage early in new product development to build a deep understanding of optical system architecture, design intent, and performance trade-offs.
• Develop comprehensive expertise in performance specifications and system-level behaviors for WSS (Wavelength Selective Switch), DGE (Dynamic Gain Equalizer), and OCM (Optical Channel Monitor) modules.
• Partner closely with the optical design team to translate innovative optical concepts into experimentally validated prototypes, often requiring highly complex free-space optical alignment.
• Lead detailed technical investigations on early-stage prototypes to identify performance gaps, characterize failure modes, and drive systematic design improvements.
• Apply rigorous, data-driven root cause analysis methodologies to resolve complex optical and system-level issues.
• Design and execute robust experimental validation plans with strong emphasis on repeatability, measurement integrity, and documentation discipline.
• Utilize advanced optical measurement equipment during prototype evaluation and design investigations, including Polarization controllers and polarization analysis systems, Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA), Swept wavelength measurement systems, Optical Vector Analyzers (OVA).
• Conduct experimental testing and validation of optical components and assemblies, including spectral characterization and spectroscopy-based techniques where applicable.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, hardware, firmware, and software engineering teams to ensure robust integration of optical subsystems into complex modules.
• Provide strong technical leadership and mentorship to engineers at all levels, elevating engineering rigor, analytical thinking, and structured problem-solving capabilities.
• Balance deep technical investigation with big-picture system thinking, ensuring alignment with product roadmap, program milestones, manufacturability, and customer performance expectations.
• Contribute to innovation strategy, design reviews, risk assessments, and architectural decisions impacting next-generation optical platforms.

Requirements

• PhD or master’s degree in engineering, Physics, with focus in Photonics
• At least 10 years of industry experience with product development in optical industry
• Extensive hands-on experience with optical alignment and fiber coupling techniques
• Extensive experience with optical measurement equipment and measurement techniques
• Good experience with mentoring Engineers and leading design investigations
• Good experience with optical simulation tools such as Zemax
• Experience with spectrometer design would be a plus
• Experience with optical system design for manufacturing, design and cost would be a plus

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in optical physics
• Proven hands-on experience with complex free space optics
• Ability to maintain clear focus on system level architecture and delivery of project milestones

Skills

• Deep technical understanding and hands-on expertise in free space optics involving diffractive, collimating and polarization optics
• Ability to operate at the deepest technical detail while maintaining clear focus on the project overall deliverables
• Experience mentoring and guiding engineers, fostering technical growth, ensuring high engineering standards
• Rigorous, data-driven root cause analysis approach

Pay

$150,000 - $190,000 per year

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

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.