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Mechanical Engineer ( AI & Data Center Optical Modules)
Department: Research & Development
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Position Overview
We are seeking Mechanical Engineers to support the design and development of next-generation high-speed optical modules for AI and data center interconnect applications. This role focuses on advanced mechanical and thermal packaging solutions for high-density, high-power optical modules, including pluggable form factors and emerging advanced packaging architectures.
Engineers in this role will define and deliver mechanical package solutions from early concept and system architecture through prototyping, validation (EVT/DVT), and high-volume manufacturing ramp. The scope of responsibility will scale with experience. Senior engineers are expected to provide technical leadership, influence mechanical and thermal architecture decisions, and contribute to long-term platform and technology roadmap development.
This position plays a critical role in enabling scalable, cost-effective optical module platforms that meet the performance, power, and manufacturability demands of AI-driven data center systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop mechanical packaging solutions for high-speed optical modules used in AI and data center interconnect systems
- Drive mechanical concepts from architecture definition through detailed design, prototype build, validation, and production ramp
- Develop detailed 3D CAD models and engineering documentation
- Perform advanced thermal and mechanical stress analysis (FEA) to address high power density, airflow constraints, and long-term reliability
- Own GD&T definition and tolerance stack-up analysis for high-density opto-electro-mechanical assemblies
- Design fixtures, tooling, and test infrastructure to support optical alignment, module validation, and scalable manufacturing
- Collaborate closely with optical, electrical, thermal, reliability, manufacturing, and supply-chain teams to deliver integrated, system-aware solutions
- For senior-level engineers: provide technical direction, review designs, mentor junior engineers, and influence mechanical and thermal platform strategy
Qualifications
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred)
- Experience level flexible: typically 5+ years of relevant industry experience for senior-level consideration; motivated early-career engineers with strong fundamentals and relevant project experience are also encouraged to apply
- Prior experience developing optoelectronic or high-speed electronic products for data center, AI, or high-performance computing applications is highly valued
- Strong proficiency in mechanical design and thermal simulation tools such as SolidWorks, FloTHERM, or equivalent CAD/FEA platforms
- Deep understanding of thermal management, structural analysis, and high-density packaging design
- Experience with GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis for complex assemblies
- Familiarity with high-density, non-hermetic optical module packaging and design for manufacturability (DFM/DFA)
- Working knowledge of data analysis tools (e.g., JMP) and basic scripting or programming (VB, C, MATLAB, etc.) to support testing and automation is a plus
- Ability to operate independently on complex technical problems while contributing effectively in a highly cross-functional environment
Additional Information
- Self-motivated and adaptable in a fast-paced R&D and NPI environment
- Willingness to travel internationally (up to 25%) to manufacturing and contract manufacturing sites to drive NPI execution, manufacturing readiness, yield improvement, and high-volume production ramp
Pay Range:
P70-USA-1 :$130,850.00 - $186,900.00
Disclaimer:
Final base salary for the successful candidate will depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job location, where work will be performed, qualifications, work history and relevant experience. With our continual goal of making Lumentum a best place to work for our employees, we strive to offer employees competitive total compensation packages, which may include annual bonus, commission for certain sales roles, equity, and health and welfare benefits.
