Optoelectronics R&D Technical Leader

Samtec is seeking an Optoelectronics R&D Technical Leader to join our team in the Silicon Valley Design Center. located in in Santa Clara, CA.

Essential Functions/ Responsibilities:

• Design and develop hybrid RF-optics products, such as RF-over-fiber modules, optical transceivers, or photonic RF signal processors, optimizing for bandwidth, signal integrity, and power efficiency.
• Knowledge in the RF and optical subsystems modeling and simulation result from tools like ADS, HFSS, or Zemax to predict performance and refine designs.
• Understand the design of integrated 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 teams to ensure designs are scalable, cost-effective, and compliant with industry standards (e.g., ITU, MIL-STD).
• 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.

• 4 years of experience in 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, including signal generators, vector network analyzers, BER tester, and optical spectrum analyzers.
• Strong knowledge of RF principles (e.g., modulation, impedance, EMI) and optoelectronic concepts (e.g., fiber optics, laser diodes, dispersion).
• 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, e.g., satellite communications, data center, 5G networks, or radar systems, if applicable.)

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Photonics, or a related field.

Salary and benefit offerings:

The preferred location for this position is the Silicon Valley Design Center in Santa Clara, CA. At this facility the salary range for this position would be in the range of $176 - $220K per year and is commensurate with experience plus generous Samtec bonuses paid three times per year in February, August and late fall.

The secondary location would be the Samtec Vista design center in San Diego/Vista, CA. At this facility the salary range for this position would be in the range of $160 - $200K per year and is commensurate with experience plus generous Samtec bonuses paid three times per year in February, August and late fall.

The third location would be the Samtec Microelectronics facility in Colorado Springs, CO. At this facility the salary range for this position would be in the range of $146 - $182K per year and is commensurate with experience plus generous Samtec bonuses paid three times per year in February, August and late fall.

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.

About Samtec:

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.

Apply now if you have what it takes and are interested in joining Samtec’s vaunted culture, with competitive salaries and world-class benefits.