Senior Optical Alignment - Optical Solutions R&D

Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry, delivering high-performance, field-proven optical solutions spanning components, modules, and fully integrated line cards. We provide cutting‑edge wavelength management and amplifier technologies, supported by deep optical, mechanical, electrical, and software integration capabilities. These strengths enable Molex to serve the evolving needs of high‑density, high‑bandwidth, and flexible optical networks.

• Provide technical leadership to design novel optical assemblies for coupling III‑V laser diodes with high efficiency.
• Design the corresponding fiber mounts/assembly that includes components (e.g., fiber lens, lenses, PICs, SOA, VBG); specify requirements for optical alignment equipment.
• Develop processes for sub‑micron alignment (x, y, z, f), solder or epoxy attach of components (e.g., laser diode, ceramic mounts).
• Partner with R&D and operation teams to ensure alignment equipment/processes are compatible with manufacturable, high‑yield assembly flows.
• Define and oversee pre‑qualification testing to verify sub‑micron optical stability for Telcordia qualification.
• Support failure analysis investigations and corrective actions associated with optical misalignment, working with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Work intimately with laser diode experts to create optimized optical designs for high coupling efficiency.

• PhD in Optics, Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of industry R&D experience developing optoelectronic packages transferred to manufacturing environments.
• Hands‑on experience specifying the design of optical alignment equipment to achieve sub‑micron tolerances.
• Experience running optics software packages (e.g., Zemax) to optimize optical designs.
• Knowledgeable of various optical components specifications (e.g., laser diodes, gratings, mirrors, lenses, PIC, SOA).
• Experience with stable attachment methods (e.g., glass frit, solder, epoxy).
• Experience with qualification methodologies (e.g., GR‑468), reliability testing, and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience with optical‑packaging failure modes, with a demonstrated track record in failure mode analysis and resolution.
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) methodology: design, verification, qualification, release to manufacturing.
• Experience effectively communicating with suppliers, customers, and cross‑functional internal teams.

For this role, we anticipate paying $180,000–$250,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

• Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E‑Verify.