Sr Optical Engineer - Free Space Optics

Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry. We provide the highest performing field-proven wavelength management solutions from components to modules and integrated line-cards. Continuous innovation in passive component function integration, miniaturization, and manufacturing automation, cutting edge WSS and amplifier technology and comprehensive optical, mechanical, electrical and software integration capabilities enable us to serve the needs of high-density, high-bandwidth, and flexible optical networks.

Our Bridgewater location is home to a large, multidisciplinary Optical Engineering team dedicated to the innovation, design, development, and prototyping of next-generation wavelength selective switches (WSS) and dynamic gain equalization (DGE) modules. These highly sophisticated products leverage state-of-the-art optical technologies and represent some of the most advanced solutions in industry. The selected candidate will gain extensive hands-on exposure to cutting-edge advancements in optical communications and play a direct role in shaping the evolution of high-capacity optical networks deployed by hyperscale customers.

We are seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design and prototyping of our next-generation optical products. This role requires deep technical understanding and hands on expertise in free space optics involving diffractive, collimating and polarization optics. The ideal candidate will possess strong foundation in optical physics and proven hands-on experience with complex free space optics with ability to maintain clear focus on system level architecture, and delivery of project milestones.

As a senior technical engineer, the ideal candidate will also have demonstrated experience mentoring and guiding engineers, fostering technical growth, ensuring high engineering standards, applying rigorous, data-driven root cause analysis approach and being able to operate at the deepest technical detail while maintaining clear focus on the project overall deliverables.

What You Will Do

• Engage early in new product development to build a deep understanding of optical system architecture, design intent, and performance trade-offs.
• Develop comprehensive expertise in performance specifications, and system-level behaviors for WSS (Wavelength Selective Switch), DGE (Dynamic Gain Equalizer), and OCM (Optical Channel Monitor) modules.
• Partner closely with the optical design team to translate innovative optical concepts into experimentally validated prototypes, many of which require highly complex free-space optical alignment.
• Lead detailed technical investigations on early-stage prototypes to identify performance gaps, characterize failure modes, and drive systematic design improvements.
• Apply rigorous, data-driven root cause analysis methodologies to resolve complex optical and system-level issues.
• Design and execute robust experimental validation plans with strong emphasis on repeatability, measurement integrity, and documentation discipline.
• Utilize advanced optical measurement equipment during prototype evaluation and design investigations, including Polarization controllers and polarization analysis systems, Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA), Swept wavelength measurement systems, Optical Vector Analyzers (OVA)Apply deep understanding of optical measurement science, including error sources, calibration techniques, uncertainty analysis, and sensitivity analysis.
• Leverage optical simulation and modeling tools (e.g., Zemax) to validate hypotheses, perform tolerance analysis, and correlate simulation results with experimental data.
• Conduct experimental testing and validation of optical components and assemblies, including spectral characterization and spectroscopy-based techniques where applicable.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, hardware, firmware, and software engineering teams to ensure robust integration of optical subsystems into complex modules.
• Provide strong technical leadership and mentorship to engineers at all levels, elevating engineering rigor, analytical thinking, and structured problem-solving capabilities.
• Balance deep technical investigation with big-picture system thinking, ensuring alignment with product roadmap, program milestones, manufacturability, and customer performance expectations.
• Contribute to innovation strategy, design reviews, risk assessments, and architectural decisions impacting next-generation optical platforms.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• PhD or master’s degree in engineering, Physics, with focus in Photonics
• At least 10 years of industry experience with product development in optical industry
• Extensive hands-on experience with optical alignment and fiber coupling techniques
• Extensive experience with optical measurement equipment and measurement techniques
• Good Experience with mentoring Engineers and leading design investigations
• Good Experience with optical simulation tools such as Zemax
• Experience with spectrometer design would be a plus
• Experience with optical system design for manufacturing, design and cost would be a plus

For this role, we anticipate paying $150,000 - $190,000 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

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Who We Are

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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, aquí, or tu).