Principal Optical Engineer

Principal Optical Engineer

Location(s) Bridgewater, New Jersey Company Molex Career Field Engineering

Lead the innovation and detailed design of next generation WSS, and DGE modules

Develop advanced free space optical systems designs, including beam collimation, beam shaping, diffraction management, polarization control and high efficiency fiber coupling.

Own optical system architecture from concept through feasibility, design reviews, and design release.

Drive innovation initiatives, identifying novel optical approaches to improve performance, reduce size, enhance robustness, and lower cost.

Perform advanced optical modeling and simulation using Zemax, including sequential and non-sequential ray tracing, tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and sensitivity studies.

Translate system performance requirements into detailed optical specifications, budgets, and design trade-offs.

Work closely with opto-mechanical engineers to ensure robust packaging, alignment strategy, thermal stability, and manufacturability of optical systems.

Participate in hands-on prototyping and validation activities to ensure strong correlation between design models and experimental results.

Lead technical design reviews and provide clear justification of design decisions using simulation data and engineering analysis.

Contribute to intellectual property development, including invention disclosures and patents.

PhD degree in Engineering, Physics, Photonics or related technical field

At least 10 years of industry experience with Optical Design in a product development environment

Deep theoretical and practical experience in Optics and fiber coupling

Extensive experience with optical simulation tools such as Zemax with demonstrated ability to design complex optical systems.

Proven track record of innovation in a product development environment taking designs from concept to production

Proven ability to guide and mentor Engineers and act as a technical authority with cross-functional teams

Familiarity with advanced optical components such as LCOS, MEMS, precision Lenses and polarization optics a strong plus

Experience with opto-mechanical integration, optical alignment strategies and tolerance stack-ups.

Experience with spectrometer design is a big plus

Prior experience with WSS is a big plus

Experience with optical system design for manufacturing, design and cost

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