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Optoelectronic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design and implement improved soldering processes tailored for high-power optoelectronic components ... Work closely with design, materials, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure process ...

Applications Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$33.65 - $37.50/hr

OSI Optoelectronics is seeking an Applications Engineer. This individual will partner with end customers and internal stakeholders to define product requirements, develop proposal drawings ...

Senior Semiconductor Laser Device Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

You will have an advanced understanding of semiconductor optoelectronics, micro-optics, and thermal ... This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division of the Engineering ...

The Test Engineer will provide technical knowledge for both the hardware and software aspects of test for optoelectronic, fiber optic, RF, and electronic assemblies. Duties and Responsibilities

The Test Engineer will provide technical knowledge for both the hardware and software aspects of test for optoelectronic, fiber optic, RF, and electronic assemblies. Duties and Responsibilities

Senior Semiconductor Laser Device Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

You will have an advanced understanding of semiconductor optoelectronics, micro-optics, and thermal ... This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division of the Engineering ...

The Test Engineer will provide technical knowledge for both the hardware and software aspects of test for optoelectronic, fiber optic, RF, and electronic assemblies. Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Engineer IV will conduct experimental research on emerging electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices for next-generation AI hardware applications. The candidate is expected to ...

Senior Semiconductor Laser Device Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

You will have an advanced understanding of semiconductor optoelectronics, micro-optics, and thermal ... This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division of the Engineering ...

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Optoelectronic Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$90.5K

$153.5K

How much do optoelectronic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for optoelectronic engineer in the United States is $90,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optoelectronic Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as an Optoelectronic Engineer, a strong background in physics, optics, electronics, and a relevant engineering degree (such as electrical or optical engineering) is essential. Familiarity with simulation software (like Zemax or COMSOL), photonics design tools, and relevant industry certifications can greatly enhance technical proficiency. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative optoelectronic systems and ensuring their reliable integration into advanced technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by optoelectronic engineers in product development projects?

Optoelectronic engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating optical and electronic components within tight space and performance constraints. Achieving precise alignment, minimizing signal loss, and managing thermal effects are frequent technical hurdles. Additionally, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists—is essential to ensure successful prototyping and product scalability. Staying current with rapid advancements in photonics technology can also be demanding but is vital for innovation and career growth.

What are optoelectronic engineers?

Optoelectronic engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test devices and systems that use both light (optical) and electronics technologies. Their work often involves components like lasers, LEDs, photodetectors, and fiber optics, which are used in applications ranging from telecommunications to medical devices. These engineers combine knowledge of physics, optics, and electrical engineering to create and improve products such as high-speed internet systems, imaging devices, and advanced sensors. They may work in research, product development, manufacturing, or quality assurance roles across various industries.

What is the difference between Optoelectronic Engineer vs Electronics Engineer?

AspectOptoelectronic EngineerElectronics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related; specialization in optoelectronicsBachelor's or higher in Electrical or Electronics Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, optoelectronic device developmentConsumer electronics, embedded systems, circuit design, general electronics
Industry UsageOptoelectronic components, fiber optics, laser systemsConsumer electronics, industrial automation, communication devices

Optoelectronic Engineers focus on designing and developing devices that involve light and electronics, such as lasers and fiber optics. Electronics Engineers have a broader scope, working on various electronic systems and circuits. While both roles require a strong foundation in electrical engineering, optoelectronic engineers specialize in light-based technologies, making their work more specific to optoelectronic applications.

More about Optoelectronic Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optoelectronic Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optoelectronic Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optoelectronic Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optoelectronic Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Optoelectronic Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optoelectronic Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optoelectronic Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optoelectronic Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Optoelectronic Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,511 per year, or $43.5 per hour.
Technical Executive for Optoelectronics

Technical Executive for Optoelectronics

Samtec

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Samtec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Samtec, Inc
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 seeking a Technical Executive for Optoelectronics to join our  team. The preferred location is in the Silicon Valley Design Center located in Santa Clara, CA. The secondary location would be the  Samtec Vista design center in San Diego/Vista, CA. 
 
The salary range for this position would be in the range of $300 - $400K per year inclusive of Samtec bonuses paid three times per year in February, August and late fall and is commensurate with experience. 
 
Our Technical Executive for Optoelectronics is responsible for all engineering in our optoelectronics product group, from research through manufacturing support and across semiconductor devices to firmware.  Such product are primarily mid-board optical transceivers - or - Near Packaged Optics. 
Managing the "Optics" CTO, this person will assess the technology ecosystem for such projects, determine and set up key collaborations, and manage a roadmap of technologies to support future, product development.  The design group is responsible for early product architecture, product concepts, and pre-alpha design, also reporting to this position.  The biggest responsibility is new product development, with a staff consisting of NPD managers and functional managers over the various engineering disciplines required for optical transceiver product development.  Materials science, semiconductor physics, EE, RF-optics, SI, ME, optics, thermal, reliability, FW; validation, and qualification.  The last group comprises manufacturing process development, new product introduction, failure analysis, manufacturing support, product sustaining, and post-release process optimization. 
 
Please contact us if you have what it takes and are interested to join Samtec's vaunted culture, with competitive salaries and world-class benefits. 
 
Essential Functions and Responsibilities 
 
  1. Collaborate with company owner and heads of engineering, operations, sales, and product line management 
  2. Own Engineering on product group leadership team, with business, sales, product line management, and operations 
  3. Strong leader of people, technology and product development 
  4. With staff and with Optics business leadership, implement technology roadmap and product roadmap 
  5. Assign people to functional roles and project roles 
  6. Continuously grow scalable leadership across product group 
  7. Constantly improve product development and introduction life cycle methods 
  8. Hire, train, and coach engineering leadership staff 
  9. Set priorities and accomplish Objectives and Key Results across all Optics engineering organization 
  10. Continuously improve performance across research, design, development, and support 
 
Qualifications  
  1. Optical communications product technology expert 
    1. Expert in at least one core competence 
    2. Adjacent in all others 
  2. Product development master 
    1. Several cycles from concept to revenue 

    3.  System engineering expert 

      1. Integrate competencies across electrical, RF-optics, optical, mechanical, thermal, firmware, validation, reliability qualification, manufacturing processes 
    1. Top-notch critical thinker and problem solver 
    2. Excellent people manager 
    3. Team builder for high degree of collaboration 
    4. PhD + 7y, MS + 9y, BS + 10y 
      1. Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering  
    1. Success managing medium to large team comprising half-dozen engineering disciplines, including EE, ME, materials science 
    2. Numerous cycles through product development process, from concept to revenue 
    3. Technology expert for optoelectronic products, preferably high-speed optical communication transceivers, LIDAR modules, and similar 
    4. Experience on cross-functional leadership team for a division or product group, such as R&D, engineering, manufacturing, product line management, sales 
    5. Experience collaborating with corporate executive team on technology, strategy, roadmaps, and management reviews

    SAMTEC logo

    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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