New

Global Technology Sourcing Engineer - Optical Solutions

Molex
life insurance, parental leave
United States, California, Fremont
Jan 21, 2026
Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry. We provide the highest performing and field-proven wavelength management solutions from components, modules to integrated line-cards. Our Optical Solutions team drives continuous innovation in passive component function integration, miniaturization, and manufacturing automation. With our cutting edge wavelength management solutions, amplification technology and comprehensive optical, mechanical, electrical and software design capabilities enable us to serve the needs of high-density, high-bandwidth, and flexible optical networks of telecom, datacom, hyperscale datacenter and supercomputing. In Fremont, we serve global clients in telecom and datacom industries in providing innovative optical modules and subsystems to support our customer's next generation networks. We are hiring an experienced Technology Sourcing Engineer with deep expertise in optical communications and photonics to join our Bay Area-based team. This role is technology-driven rather than transactional, focusing on early supplier engagement, technology roadmap alignment, and long-term sourcing strategy for next-generation photonic platforms. The successful candidate will work closely with R&D, system architecture, NPI, and program teams to identify, evaluate, and onboard strategic technology suppliers across lasers, silicon photonics, optical components, and advanced packaging. This person will work regularly with Asia-based foundries, OSATs, and component suppliers, as well as U.S.-based engineering and product teams. What You Will Do Technology Sourcing & Strategy Lead technology sourcing strategy for photonic and optical communication components, including but not limited to: Lasers (DFB / EML), laser chip-on-carrier, and laser engines, Photodetectors and receiver solutions, Silicon photonics and foundry technologies, micro-optics, optical isolators, filters, AWG, and advanced optical assemblies Engage suppliers early in the product lifecycle to assess: Technology readiness and development roadmaps Manufacturing maturity, yield performance, and scalability Packaging, test, and long-term reliability capabilities Drive make/buy decisions, platform selection, and single-source vs. multi-source strategies in partnership with Engineering and Product Management NPI & Cross-Functional Leadership Act as a technology sourcing partner during NPI, from concept and architecture definition through EVT / DVT / PVT Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Systems, Process Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Operations to ensure sourcing decisions align with: performance and reliability targets Cost, lifecycle, and supply continuity objectives Support the definition and execution of Statements of Work (SOWs), joint development programs, and NRE engagements with strategic suppliers Supplier Relationship & Risk Management Build and manage long-term strategic partnerships with key photonics suppliers, foundries, and OSAT partners Lead supplier technical due diligence, qualification strategies, and capability assessments Identify and mitigate technology, capacity, geopolitical, and supply-chain risks Monitor and review supplier performance across technology, quality, delivery, and cost dimensions Commercial & Global Coordination Pricing models and cost-roadmap alignment LTSA / LTLSA structures and long-term capacity commitments Serve as a bilingual technical interface between U.S.-based teams and overseas suppliers (China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, etc.) Support executive-level supplier reviews and global cross-regional alignment Who You Are (Basic Qualifications) Master's degree or Ph.D. required in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, Photonics, or a closely related field At least 5 years of experience in technology sourcing, strategic sourcing, or engineering roles within: Optical communications and/ or Photonics working directly with suppliers Experience with Lasers and SiPh platforms, and optical component technologies Experience with Packaging, test, and qualification flows (EVT / DVT / PVT, reliability) Proven ability to translate engineering requirements into sourcing and technology decisions Evaluate supplier technology roadmaps, process maturity, and scalability Influence cross-functional stakeholders across R&D, NPI, Quality, and Operations Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English, capable of leading both technical and commercial discussions For this role, we anticipate paying $150,000 - $190,000 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, aqui, or tu).