Optical Contract Manufacturer Support Engineer

Join our Operations Engineering team as an Optical Contract Manufacturer SupportEngineer, where you will be responsible for developing, qualifying, and sustaining advanced optical assembly processes used in high-speed optical transceivers, photonic integrated circuit (PIC) modules, optical engines, and communication systems. You will work across the entire product lifecycle, from New Product Introduction (NPI) through high-volume manufacturing, driving process optimization, yield improvement, and root cause analysis.

In this role, you will support critical optical assembly technologies including fiber preparation, fusion splicing, fiber routing, optical connector and receptacle integration, active optical alignment, optical packaging, and photonic assembly processes. You will leverage optical measurement systems, microscopy, cross-sectional analysis, and reliability testing to ensure robust manufacturing processes and exceptional optical performance. Our collaborative environment encourages innovation, technical leadership, and continuous improvement while solving challenging manufacturing problems.

NILightpath

Must-Have

• 4-6 years of experience
• BS, MS, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with industry standards and test methodologies for optical communications and fiber optic assemblies.
• Experience with silicon photonics, PICs, co-packaged optics, or optical engine manufacturing.
• Experience with automated fiber alignment, robotic assembly systems, and precision motion platforms.
• Familiarity with Telcordia, IEC, GR standards, reliability engineering, and advanced optical test equipment (e.g., OSA, OTDR).

Nice-to-Have

• Ability to analyze technical challenges, perform root cause investigations, and implement practical solutions that improve quality and performance.
• Understanding of manufacturing process control, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience collaborating with diverse teams to support product development, process qualification, or manufacturing readiness activities.

• Develop, qualify, and improve optical manufacturing processes and fiber optic assembly techniques to support reliable and scalable production.
• Operate and optimize fusion splicing processes while driving continuous improvements in process capability, yield, and product quality.
• Perform fiber preparation activities, including stripping, cleaving, cleaning, and recoating, while promoting best practices and robust process standards.
• Design and support fiber routing solutions, ensuring effective fiber management, bend-radius control, and seamless integration within optical assemblies.
• Support the assembly and alignment of optical components and modules using active and passive alignment methodologies.
• Conduct optical testing, measurement, and characterization activities to verify product performance and manufacturing quality.
• Investigate manufacturing and product-related issues using structured root cause analysis techniques and implement effective corrective actions.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support new product introduction, process validation, and successful transition into volume manufacturing.