Advanced Packaging Engineer

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, Samtec’s global presence enables its unmatched customer service.

Position Summary

The Advanced Packaging Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for conceiving, architecting, and maturing next‑generation optical and optoelectronic technologies. This role focuses on future‑state capability creation, advanced materials and packaging architectures, and long‑term technology differentiation. The position operates upstream of production and is not responsible for sustaining engineering or day‑to‑day manufacturing support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Advanced Technology & Architecture Development

• Define and develop next‑generation optical and optoelectronic packaging architectures.
• Lead architectural trade studies considering optical performance, materials behavior, and future scalability.
• Establish technology concepts that enable future product families and platforms.

Research & Early‑Stage Development

• Research emerging materials, processes, and assembly technologies aligned with long‑term company roadmaps.
• Evaluate technology readiness levels and define pathways for maturation.

Characterization & Reliability Strategy

• Define characterization and reliability evaluation methodologies for early‑stage technologies.
• Analyze optical, mechanical, and thermal data to inform design decisions.
• Identify technical risks and failure mechanisms early in development.
• Contribute to long‑term optics and optoelectronics technology roadmaps.
• Identify capability gaps and propose strategic development initiatives.
• Support senior leadership through technical reviews and risk assessments.

External Collaboration

• Identify, evaluate, and partner with material suppliers, equipment vendors, and research institutions.
• Lead joint development initiatives with external partners.
• Influence external technology roadmaps to align with future needs.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a recognized technical authority for advanced optical technologies.
• Contribute to intellectual property, publications, and technical knowledge growth.
• Mentor engineers on advanced technology concepts.

Required Education

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field required.
• MS or Ph.D. preferred.

Required Experience

• 15+ years of experience in optical, optoelectronic, or advanced microelectronics development.
• Extensive background in materials, packaging architectures, and advanced process development.
• Demonstrated experience creating and maturing new technologies from concept through early validation.
• Proven record of technical leadership and independent problem solving.

Salary and Benefits

The preferred location for this position is the Samtec Vista Design Center in San Diego/Vista, CA . At this site, the salary range is $187,000 – $212,000 annually , based on experience, plus generous Samtec bonuses paid three times per year (February, August, and late fall).

A secondary option is the Silicon Valley Design Center in Santa Clara, CA , where the salary range is $220,000 – $250,000 annually , based on experience, plus the same bonus structure.

The third location is the Samtec Microelectronics facility in Colorado Springs, CO , with a salary range of $159,000 – $180,000 annually , based on experience, plus bonuses as noted above.

Relocation assistance is available only for moves to the preferred location (San Diego/Vista, CA).

Samtec's generous benefits package includes medical (HSA/PPO) dental, vision, hearing, group life, AD&DD, short- and long-term disability, EAP, 401K match / profit sharing (Samtec will contribute 7% of your total gross pay to your 401(k) plan regardless of any contributions you make and will match the first 5% of your contribution to the 401(k)-plan dollar for dollar), plus other voluntary options, as well as paid time off.