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Optical Packaging Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

samtec

Advanced Packaging Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$220K - $250K/yr

Define and develop next-generation optical and optoelectronic packaging architectures. * Lead ... Mentor engineers on advanced technology concepts. Required Education * BS in Electrical Engineering ...

SIG Sauer

Packaging Engineer II

Exeter, NH · On-site

Packaging Engineer II SIG SAUER, Inc . is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, remote controlled weapons stations, and training. For over ...

SigSauer

Packaging Engineer II

Exeter, NH · On-site

Packaging Engineer II SIG SAUER, Inc . is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, remote controlled weapons stations, and training. For over ...

Cisco

Photonic Packaging Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$136K - $198K/yr

Our innovations in silicon, optics, and hardware platforms-like Silicon One-are shaping the ... As a Photonic Packaging Engineer in Cisco's elite Optics group, you won't just build components-you ...

AFL

Packaging Engr IV

Duncan, SC · On-site

New - 2026 AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and ... The Packaging Engineer IV serves as a senior technical resource across the organization ...

Quantinuum

Chief Packaging Engineer - 906

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$208K - $260K/yr

Experience with photonic packaging and fiber-to-chip or optical chip-to-optical chip coupling ... engineers, and researchers, with more than 70% of our technology team holding advanced degrees at ...

Supermicro

Optical Manufacturing Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... This role focuses on optical transceiver technologies, including Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), Optical ...

Apple

Silicon Photonics EPM, Data Center SoC

Austin, TX · On-site

$175K - $311K/yr

Proven track record in AMS IP, Silicon Photonics, or optical interconnect design or design engineering management. Pay & Benefits At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and ...

Supermicro

Optical Manufacturing Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... This role focuses on optical transceiver technologies, including Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), Optical ...

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Optical Packaging Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical packaging engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical packaging engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical packaging engineer?

An Optical Packaging Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and tests packaging solutions for optical components and devices, such as lasers, sensors, and fiber optic modules. Their work ensures that optical devices are protected, efficiently transmit signals, and meet performance specifications. They collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimize packaging for reliability, thermal management, and integration into larger systems. This role requires knowledge of optics, materials science, and mechanical engineering principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical packaging engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Packaging Engineer, a solid background in optics, materials science, and mechanical engineering—often supported by a relevant engineering degree—is essential. Proficiency with CAD software, optical simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards such as Telcordia or MIL-STD are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams and address complex design challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure reliable, high-performance optical components and systems that meet demanding technical and industry requirements.

What are some typical challenges faced by optical packaging engineers when integrating optical and electronic components?

Optical Packaging Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring precise alignment of optical fibers or lenses with electronic components, managing thermal dissipation to prevent performance degradation, and selecting materials that minimize signal loss and interference. These engineers must also work closely with teams in optics, electronics, and manufacturing to ensure that the final package meets strict reliability and performance standards. Effective problem-solving and cross-disciplinary communication are essential to address these complexities and deliver robust, scalable solutions.

What is the difference between Optical Packaging Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectOptical Packaging EngineerOptical Test Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing optical packages to protect and integrate optical componentsTesting and validating optical systems and components for performance and quality
Required SkillsOptical design, packaging techniques, materials knowledge, CAD skillsOptical testing methods, measurement tools, data analysis, troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsTesting labs, quality assurance departments, production lines
Common CertificationsOptical engineering certifications, relevant technical trainingOptical testing certifications, quality assurance credentials

While both roles involve optical technologies, the Optical Packaging Engineer focuses on designing and developing protective and functional optical packages, whereas the Optical Test Engineer specializes in testing and validating optical components and systems to ensure performance standards are met.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Packaging Engineer jobs?

For Optical Packaging Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optical Packaging Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Advanced Packaging Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

samtec
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about samtecexternal

$220K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Samtec rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Position at Samtec, Inc
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.
  • Lead feasibility studies, proof-of-concept efforts, and early-stage demonstrations.
  • 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.

Technology Strategy & Roadmapping
  • 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 benefit offerings:
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&D, 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.
Apply now if you have what it takes and are interested in joining Samtec's vaunted culture, with competitive salaries and world-class benefits.
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.Privacy Policy: https://www.samtec.com/about/legal/#privacyrightspage

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About SAMTEC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New Albany, IN, US

Year founded

1976

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