Principal Engineer- Optics Manufacturing Integration

Samtec, Inc. Position Title: Principal Engineer- Optics Manufacturing Integration Description Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $1 billion global manufacturer of broad line electronic interconnect solutions, including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. Samtec Technology Centers are dedicated to developing and advancing technologies, strategies and products to optimize both the performance and cost of a system from the bare die to an interface 100 meters away, and all interconnect points in between. With 40+ international locations and products sold in more than 125 different countries, Samtecs global presence enables its unmatched customer service. Position Summary The Principal Engineer Optics Manufacturing Integration is a senior individual contributor responsible for ensuring optical designs, materials, and processes are manufacturable, scalable, and production-ready. This role serves as the primary technical liaison between R&D, New Product Development, and Operations, guiding design-for-manufacturing decisions and leading the transfer of technologies into pilot and high-volume manufacturing. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Manufacturing-Focused Process Development - Develop and optimize optical assembly processes suitable for pilot and production environments. - Establish robust process windows using DOE, FMEA, and Six Sigma methodologies. - Ensure processes meet reliability, quality, and qualification requirements. - Champion DFM strategies in early-phase design and development activities. R&D and Operations Interface - Provide manufacturing feedback to R&D on designs, materials, and assembly approaches. - Guide design adjustments to align with equipment capability, yield, throughput, and cost. - Ensure early alignment between development intent and manufacturing constraints. Process Transfer & Industrialization - Lead technology transfer from R&D to domestic and international manufacturing sites. - Own process documentation, qualifications, and readiness assessments. - Support production ramp-up from pilot through volume manufacturing. Equipment & Automation Support - Collaborate with operations teams on equipment selection, configuration, and optimization. - Provide hands-on technical support for automated and semi-automated assembly tools. - Drive novel solutions to improve yield, repeatability, and throughput. Production Support & Continuous Improvement - Support root-cause analysis of manufacturing issues. - Advise on corrective actions and process improvements. - Maintain production stability while preserving product architecture intent. Technical Mentorship - Mentor process and manufacturing engineers in DOE, failure analysis, and process discipline. - Establish best practices for optical assembly and handling. Required Education - BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, ora related field required. - MS preferred Required Experience - 15+ years of experience in optoelectronic or microelectronics manufacturing environments. - Strong background in process development, assembly, and equipment-based manufacturing. - Demonstrated experience transferring new technologies into production. - Hands-on experience with automated and semi-automated manufacturing tools. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Deep understanding of optical module assembly and manufacturing processes. - Strong knowledge of DOE, FMEA, and statistical process methodologies. - Practical experience troubleshooting production issues in factory environments. - Strong cross-functional communication skills. Citizenship / Clearance Requirement - U.S. Citizenship or Green Card required. Role Characteristics - Senior individual cont ibutor with strong manufacturing presence. - Hands-on engagement in laboratory and pilot production environments. - Heavy interaction with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering. - Driven to innovate with emphasis on scalability, yield, and production readiness. Salaryand benefit offerings: Thepreferred locationfor this position is theSamtec Vista Design CenterinSan Diego/Vista, CA. At this site, the salary range is$187,000 $212,000 annually, based on experience, plusgenerous Samtec bonusespaid three times per year (February, August, and late fall). Asecondary optionis theSilicon Valley Design CenterinSanta Clara, CA, where the salary range is$220,000 $250,000 annually, based on experience, plus the same bonus structure. Thethird locationis theSamtec Microelectronics facilityinColorado Springs, CO, with a salary range of$159,000 $180,000 annually, based on experience, plus bonuses as noted above. Relocation assistanceis availableonly for moves to the preferred location(San Diego/Vista, CA). PI287677947