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Principal Optical Engineer - Wavelength Management

Koch
Bridgewater, NJ Full Time
POSTED ON 8/5/2025 CLOSED ON 9/3/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Optical Engineer - Wavelength Management position at Koch?

Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry. We provide the highest performing field-proven wavelength management solutions from components to modules and integrated line-cards. Continuous innovation in passive component function integration, miniaturization, and manufacturing automation, cutting edge WSS and amplifier technology and comprehensive optical, mechanical, electrical and software integration capabilities enable us to serve the needs of high-density, high-bandwidth, and flexible optical networks.

In Bridgewater NJ, we serve large, global clients in telecom and datacom industries in providing next generation optical modules to support the growing need for data and communications. We are developing optical connectivity solutions, optoelectronic solutions, Wavelength Selective Solutions assembly and fiber optic assemblies and arrays.

We are looking for a Principal Optical Engineer with a strong focus on innovative design of optical systems. The Principal Optical Engineer leads development of complex free-space optical systems by, generating optical design concept, guiding optical engineers, solving design issues, optimizing the design processes. This person must have strong understanding of optical principles and extensive Zemax experience to lead the optical design effort. As a principal member of the team and a lead optical designer, this position is responsible for all the optical aspects of a new product development as well as new technology development activities. This expertise will lead to the advancement of our products and services in the fields of optical communication.

What You Will Do

  • Innovation of optical design/architecture of Molex free space optical systems
  • Conduct thorough analysis of optical system requirements and specifications
  • Create, design and analyze optical architectures in Zemax
  • Plan and manage prototyping and characterization of optical designs including DOE plan, alignment plan, test coordination, data analysis
  • Utilize advanced simulation tools and modeling techniques to evaluate and optimization the performance of free-space optical systems
  • Conduct experimental testing and validation of optical components, including spectral analysis
  • Generate technology development ideas for future product applications
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary design teams to integrate optical systems with other hardware, materials and electrical and mechanical components
  • Mentor other engineers and cross functional groups on optical design and engineering
  • Develop new tools and techniques as needed to continuously improve our ability to model and understand optical designs accurately


Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

  • Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Photonics or related technical field. PhD. is plus
  • At least 15 years of industry experience with free-space optical design
  • Experienced in leading the development of free space optical systems
  • Extensive experience with optical simulation tools such as Zemax
  • Strong hands-on experience with optical benchtops and fiber coupling techniques
  • Experience with optical system design for manufacturing, design and cost


For this role, we anticipate paying $160,000 - $230,000 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 and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí, or tu).

Salary : $160,000 - $230,000

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