New

Principal Packaging Engineer, R&D

Molex
life insurance, parental leave
United States, California, Fremont
Jan 27, 2026
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. The Principal Packaging Engineer will own the technical leadership for advanced optoelectronic packages (e.g., CPO, ELSFP). This role is responsible for component design/selection, performance optimization, and long-term reliability assurance of laser diodes and components embedded within advanced optoelectronic packages. The position requires close collaboration with R&D and product design teams, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers to ensure laser components meet stringent optical, mechanical, and Telcordia reliability requirements. What You Will Do Provide technical leadership and creativity to design novel III-V laser diode packaging technologies to support Datacenter growth Design packages that includes components (e.g., TEC, housing, lid, getter, fiber lens or discrete lenses, gratings) Develop processes that includes submicron alignment (x, y, z, f), solder attach of components (e.g., laser diode, ceramic mounts, TEC, etc.) and hermetic lid sealing Partner with product and operation teams to ensure designs are compatible with manufacturable, high-yield assembly flows Support sub-component supplier selection and evaluation, including technology maturity assessments for robust supply chain Support supplier improvement through audits, quality improvement plans, and risk-mitigation initiatives Define and oversee component pre-qualification and qualification strategies, including GR-468 Telcordia compliance Support failure analysis investigations and corrective actions for product related failures and manufacturing issues, working with internal teams, suppliers, and customers Work intimately with laser diode experts to create optimized designs Who You Are (Basic Qualifications) PhD in Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a closely related field At least 10 years of industry R&D experience with mechanical design of optoelectronic packages developed and transferred to manufacturing environments Hands-on experience with optical alignment of components to submicron tolerances, designing for high thermal power density Mechanical design layout using Mech software package/s with finite element analysis (FEA) understanding (e.g., to calculate stress/design from CTE mismatch, optic misalignment, thermal limits etc.) Knowledgeable of various optical components (e.g., gratings, mirrors, lenses), stable attachment methods (e.g., epoxy and solder based) Expertise in component qualification methodologies (e.g., GR-468), product reliability testing, and statistical analysis tools Knowledgeable of component and 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 Strong communication skills with suppliers, customers, and cross-functional internal teams What Will Put You Ahead CFD is a plus, but not required. For this role, we anticipate paying $180,000 - $280,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form. At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy. Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here. Who We Are At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company. Our Benefits Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - 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. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter. Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results. Equal Opportunities 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. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aqui, or tu).