Optical Manufacturing Engineer

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Location: San Jose, California, United States

About Supermicro:

Supermicro® is a Top Tier provider of advanced server, storage, and networking solutions for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, Hadoop/ Big Data, Hyperscale, HPC and IoT/Embedded customers worldwide. We are the #5 fastest growing company among the Silicon Valley Top 50 technology firms. Our unprecedented global expansion has provided us with the opportunity to offer a large number of new positions to the technology community. We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join us.

Job Summary:

Overview Supermicro is seeking a motivated Optical Manufacturing Engineer with 2–4 years of hands‑on experience in optical networking and photonics to support the development and production of next‑generation high‑speed optical interconnect solutions for AI and hyperscale datacenters.

This role focuses on optical transceiver technologies, including Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), Optical Circuit Switches (OCS), and high‑speed modules (800G/1.6T). The ideal candidate has solid technical knowledge in fiber optics, photoelectric conversion, and manufacturing processes, along with a strong desire to grow in a fast‑paced, collaborative global environment. Prior experience in optical component manufacturing or high‑tech electronics production is preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Optical Systems & Technology Support .

• Analyze and optimize the advanced optical interconnect, transceiver, and photonic manufacturing related solutions to improve SMC product yield.
• Participate in testing, validation, and troubleshooting of photoelectric conversion, fiber‑optic communication systems, silicon photonics, and signal integrity issues.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (hardware, Firmware, and PM) and external partners to ensure successful product development and deployment.
• Help identify and resolve optical performance, thermal, packaging, and signal integrity challenges.
• Contribute to scaling next‑generation optical platforms from development to production.
• Travel occasionally to manufacturing sites to support technology transfer and production activities.

Manufacturing Process & Production Support

• Provide day‑to‑day technical support on the production floor for optical module assembly, testing, and quality control processes.
• Monitor production operations to ensure efficiency (OEE), minimize downtime, and maintain high product quality standards.
• Perform quality inspections of parts, components, and finished optical products; isolate defects, analyze root causes, and support corrective actions.
• Assist in optimizing manufacturing processes using Lean Manufacturing (5S), Six Sigma principles, and continuous improvement methods.
• Support equipment maintenance, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and software‑related issues.
• Maintain accurate production records and contribute to daily, weekly, and monthly reports.
• Work closely with production operators and technicians to improve workflow, skills, and overall team efficiency.
• Monitor inventory levels of materials and tools to support uninterrupted production.
• Promote safety protocols and environmental best practices on the manufacturing floor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field (Master’s degree is a plus).
• 5+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degrer or 3+ years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree in optical communication systems, photonics technologies, or electronics/high‑tech manufacturing.
• Practical knowledge of:
• Optical transceivers, fiber‑optic communication, and high‑speed optical modules.
• Silicon photonics, optical packaging, DSP, and signal integrity concepts.
• Manufacturing quality control, process optimization, and production line support.
• Experience with 100G/400G/800G systems is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, data analysis) and familiarity with statistical tools is a plus.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Good English communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively with global teams.
• Willingness to work on the production floor and provide occasional support outside regular hours when needed.
• Physical capability to stand/walk for extended periods

Salary Range

$120,000 - $150,000

The salary offered will depend on several factors, including your location, level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience, and comparison to other employees already in this role. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as participation in bonus and equity award programs.

EEO Statement

Supermicro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of Supermicro to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.