Applications Engineer - Principal​/Senior Principal Engineer

Job Title

Application Engineer – Principal/SPE

Ann Arbor, Michigan;
Milpitas, California;
Lowell, Massachusetts

We are seeking a highly skilled and self‑driven Application Engineer with deep expertise in optoelectronic devices, including laser diodes and photodetectors. This role serves as a critical technical interface between MACOM and its customers, ensuring successful product integration, rapid issue resolution, and sustained customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth with excellent customer‑facing and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

• Serve as the technical lead for optoelectronic device applications, including laser diodes and photodetectors.
• Act as the primary technical liaison to customers, providing expert‑level application guidance and support.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex customer issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Conduct regular on‑site visits to customer locations to provide hands‑on technical support and strengthen customer relationships.
• Collaborate closely with design and development teams to support new product introductions and customer deployments.
• Analyze and interpret customer data, benchmarking against internal performance metrics to identify trends and discrepancies.
• Work cross‑functionally with Product Line Management, manufacturing, quality, design, and applications teams to drive product success.

• Strong technical background in optoelectronic devices, with a solid understanding of RF principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Willingness to travel as required to support customer engagements.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the optoelectronics or photonics industry, with proven success in applications engineering or a related role.
• Demonstrated success working in cross‑functional, international teams.
• Hands‑on experience with photonic product testing and troubleshooting.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written.

The salary range for this position is $98,000 - $200,000. Actual salary offered to a candidate will depend on several factors, including but not limited to work location, relevant candidates’ experience, education, and specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer‑sponsored 401(k) plan.
• Paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Free access to Gym in Lowell and Milpitas locations.

MACOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. MACOM will not discriminate against any worker or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military service, marital status, or any other category protected under applicable law.

MACOM is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you have a disability and are in need of a reasonable accommodation with respect to any part of the application process, please call  or email  Provide your name, phone number and the position title and location in which you are interested, and the nature of accommodation needed, and we will get back to you.

We also work with current employees who request or need reasonable accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of their jobs.