Hardware Engineer

Senior Hardware Engineer

Samtec is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer with expertise in high-speed optoelectronic platforms to join our Vista, CA team. If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges and seeing your work come to life, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

In this position, you will drive the design, analysis, and development of advanced fiber-optic transceivers and supporting hardware, working across optoelectronics, high-speed circuits, and system-level design in a collaborative R&D environment.

This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who enjoys building, testing, and refining hardware while contributing to next-generation connectivity solutions.

What You'll Experience:

• High-impact technical ownership influencing product performance and innovation
• Hands-on involvement in R&D and new product development
• Strong autonomy from concept through implementation
• Collaboration with a skilled, forward-thinking engineering team
• Exposure to advanced technologies shaping next-generation designs

Essential Functions / Responsibilities:

• Design of high-speed and high-precision electronics, including experience with firmware-enabled systems. Application of power integrity and RF signal integrity principles and simulation techniques.
• Understanding of fundamental optical data communication systems principles and optical signal integrity impairments, particularly in multi-mode fiber-optic systems. Familiarity with optical communication standards, 1G NRZ to 100G PAM4
• Experience with a broad range of DC/RF/Optical test and measurement techniques and equipment with hands-on skills needed to prototype, bring-up, debug, and characterize electrical/optical systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Strong analytical skills with an emphasis on understanding and applying fundamental principles. Ability to synthesize a broad range of complex inputs and apply rigorous processes to drive critical outcomes.
• Strong coding skills across multiple platforms, including familiarity with database systems. Familiarity with statistical and algorithmic data analysis techniques as well as novel AI approaches.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Comfortable engaging with vendors and customers. Ability to develop and document requirements, implementation details, user guidelines, and product specifications.
• Good organizational skills and ability to lead small technical teams.
• Understanding of PCB fabrication and assembly technologies. Experience working with PCB fabricators and assemblers to define layer stack-ups, converge DFM reviews, and resolve SMT assembly issues.
• Familiarity with the interplay of optical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical considerations in the design of optical transceivers. Basic understanding of optics principles involved in fiber-optic coupling. Working knowledge of basic mechanical design principles including materials, fabrication techniques, and tolerancing.
• Familiarity with bare-metal firmware implementation and FPGA-based systems, particularly including high-speed serial I/O.
• Development of test concepts and novel test solutions for EVT/DVT and production.

Required Experience:

• 15+ years of experience in hardware design, fiber optic communication, and related fields.
• Success in creating and maturing new technologies from concept through early validation.
• Proven record of technical leadership and independent problem solving.

Education:

• BS in Electrical Engineering or a related field required.
• MS or Ph.D. preferred.

Salary and benefit offerings:

The salary range for this position is $190,000 – $225,000 annually, based on experience, plus generous Samtec bonuses paid three times per year (February, August, and late fall). Samtec offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical (HSA/PPO), dental, vision, group life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k) with company match, profit sharing, and a variety of voluntary benefit options, along with paid time off.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the US on an unrestricted basis for any employer.

About Samtec:

Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $950 million global manufacturer of a broad line of 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.

Samtec is the industry-leading provider of mid-board optical transceiver solutions. This growing and comprehensive family of products provides reliable signal integrity over an extended distance in chip-to-chip, board-to-board, on-board and system-to-system connectivity. Optical products are offered with Samtec's Sudden Service® - full engineering support, online tools and a service attitude that is unmatched.

SAMTEC, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to creating a diverse environment. All employment decisions at Samtec are based in business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, pregnancy or parental status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity/expression, marital status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws.