Photonics Characterization Engineer - Optical Solutions

Molex is a global leader in the optical industry, renowned for delivering high-performance, field-proven wavelength management solutions.

Our expertise spans components, modules, and integrated line-cards, with a strong focus on innovation, miniaturization, and manufacturing automation.

Our advanced optical, mechanical, electrical, and software design capabilities support the evolving needs of high-density, high-bandwidth, and flexible optical networks across telecom, datacom, hyperscale datacenters, artificial intelligence, and supercomputing.

The Photonics Characterization Engineer performs advanced optical and physical characterization and modeling of lasers diode or modules.

The Photonics Characterization Engineer will build physics-based and data-driven models to explain kink behavior, noise, wavelength locking, thermal effects, and coupling sensitivity to supports design improvements and risk reduction.

What You Will Do



* Develop models for laser diode behavior (LIV, thermal roll-over, mode competition/kinks, wavelength tuning) and correlate to measurements.


* Model FBG/external-cavity interactions: lock range, pulling, sensitivity to reflectance and polarization.


* Analyze RIN/noise sources and build transfer models relevant to EDFA system penalties.


* Run simulation tools (e.g., rate-equation models, optical cavity models, thermal FEM) to guide design choices and derating limits.


* Support root-cause investigations by connecting failure analysis observations and measured anomalies to physical mechanisms.


* Create characterization protocols for new chip and process introductions and provide design feedback.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)



* MS in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineer or related technical degree


* Experience with high speed lasers and photonics


* Experienced in photonics device testing, measurement and analysis


* Experience with data analysis (Python/MATLAB) and model fitting; ability to handle large datasets from production-like tests


* Experience fiber optics (MFD/NA, coupling, polarization) and spectral measurement techniques


* Clear technical communication: can write concise analyses and present to cross-functional teams

What Will Put You Ahead


* PhD Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineer or related technical degree

For this role, we anticipate paying $120,000 - $220,000 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...