Optoelectronic Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $1 Billion 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.

Summary/Objective:

Our high-speed optoelectronic transceiver design and development engineers own the design of our high-speed optical communication transceivers, including component selection such as opto-electronic devices and Physical Media Dependent ASICs, PCB design and layout, signal integrity, and device characterization and configuration optimization. Our mid-board optical transceiver products operate at low speeds (25G) up to today's leading data rates (e.g., 100G/400G/800G and beyond). The qualified candidate will be an expert in high-speed optoelectronics with adjacent competencies so they’re able to trade off design decisions across many engineering disciplines - EE, high-speed RF/signal integrity, optics/photonics, mechanical, thermal, firmware/DSP, and process development - across the product development life cycle. They translate product requirements into product and project metrics and execute prototype bring-up, integration, characterization, and validation, including signal-integrity and optical link-budget analysis; these metrics also drive product qualification and production testing. In lead roles, they remove roadblocks in new product development (NPD) and advise NPD leaders.

Essential Functions/ Responsibilities:

• Design and develop high-speed optoelectronic transceiver products - optimizing bandwidth, signal integrity, link budget, and power efficiency across NRZ and PAM4 signaling.
• Model and simulate RF and optical subsystems using tools like ADS, HFSS, or Zemax to predict performance and refine designs.
• Integrate RF components (e.g., amplifiers, mixers) with optical elements (e.g., modulators, photodetectors) to create cohesive, high-functioning assemblies.
• Perform hands-on testing and validation of prototypes, using RF test equipment (e.g., network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, BERT) and optical tools (e.g., power meters, OTDRs, scope, VOA, optical switch).
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to RF-optical interactions, such as impedance matching, noise reduction, or optical loss.
• Collaborate with product managers and manufacturing to ensure designs are scalable, cost-effective, and compliant with applicable standards and MSAs (e.g., IEEE 802.3 Ethernet, OIF-CEI, CMIS, relevant MSA form factors), plus ITU and MIL-STD where required.
• Document design specifications, test procedures, and performance data to support development milestones and production transitions.
• Research emerging RF-optics technologies and materials to enhance product capabilities and maintain a competitive edge.

Use this statement in all cases "The responsibilities as defined are intended to serve as a general guideline for this position. Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities"

Required Experience:

• 4+ years of experience in high speed optoelectronic transceiver product design, with a focus on integrated RF-optics systems.
• Familiar with RF design tools (e.g., Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS) and optical simulation software (e.g., Zemax, OptiSystem).
• Hands-on experience with RF and optical test equipment - signal generators, vector network analyzers, BER testers, optical spectrum analyzers, and high-speed sampling/real-time oscilloscopes (DCA) for eye-diagram, jitter, and TDECQ characterization.
• Strong knowledge of RF principles (modulation, impedance, EMI) and high-speed optoelectronic concepts (fiber optics, laser diodes, modulators/photodetectors, dispersion), including high-speed link concepts - NRZ/PAM4, SerDes, equalization (CTLE/DFE/FFE), FEC, jitter, and eye-diagram/BER analysis.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex technical challenges at the intersection of RF and optical domains.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and technical documentation.
• (Optional: Familiarity with specific applications/standards - e.g., hyperscale data center and AI/ML interconnects, 100G/400G/800G Ethernet, coherent optics, 5G fronthaul, satellite comms, PCIe, or military/ruggedized/radar environments.)

Education :

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Photonics Physics or a related field is required. Master or Doctoral degree in those fields will be a plus.

Thepreferred locationfor this position is the Silicon Valley Design CenterinSanta Clara, CA, where the salary range is$240,000 – $330,000 annually, based on experience, plus generous Samtec bonuses paid three times per year (February, August, and late fall).

Asecondary optionis the Samtec Vista Design CenterinSan Diego/Vista, CA. At this site, the salary range is$210,000 – $290,000 annually, based on experience, plus the same bonus structure.

Relocation assistance is available only for moves to the preferred location Silicon Valley Design Center in Santa Clara, CA.