Principal Photonics Systems Engineer at Jabil

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Photonics Systems Engineer
Company: Jabil
Location: Austin, Texas, United States (Remote OK)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Engineering - Systems
Date Posted: 2025-06-25
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

Lead photonics systems engineering for cutting-edge co-packaged-optics systems in an EMS environment
Collaborate with leading technology companies to understand requirements and manufacturing yield risks
Design test strategies, quality control gates, and optical system design services
Drive process improvements and enable scalable manufacturing of complex photonic systems
Keep up-to-date with new technologies in photonics packaging, fiber-optic connectivity, and test/metrology methods

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of photonic communication links, components, and wireline systems, as well as strong client engagement and process improvement skills.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Client Interaction: Collaborate with clients to understand system requirements and provide DFM and FMEA guidance
Optical System Design: Leverage expertise in photonic systems to support Jabil's internal product design services
Test Strategy Development: Develop test strategies and quality control gates in collaboration with test engineering teams
Process Control & Improvement: Establish process control mechanisms, analyze yield pareto, identify failure root causes, and drive process improvements
Factory Collaboration: Maintain ongoing engagement with factory operations and engineering teams to drive continuous process and yield improvements
Technical Guidance: Provide technical guidance to product engineers within the team and on-site at the factory
New Technology Tracking: Keep up-to-date with new technologies in photonics packaging, fiber-optic connectivity, and test/metrology methods

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a high level of client interaction, process improvement, and technical guidance, requiring strong communication and organizational skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Relevant undergraduate 4-year degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Material Engineering, or similar field (required)
Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Applied Physics (preferred)

Experience:

8+ years of optics/photonics communication system development or product engineering in datacom/telecom applications (required)
10+ years of experience (preferred)

Required Skills:

Strong knowledge of optical communication links, associated component specs, and test methods
Hands-on capability to develop RF optical test using light sources, RF test equipment, and basic test automation via scripting in Python or similar
Knowledgeable of test for packaged ASICs, photonics, and wireline systems
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Highly detail-oriented, organized, and methodical thinker
Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, and with a high sense of product ownership
Ability to travel internationally up to 70%

Preferred Qualifications:

An advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Applied Physics
10+ years of optics/photonics communication system development or product engineering in datacom/telecom applications

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A - Not Applicable for this role)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $127,300 - $229,100 USD/year (P05)

Annual Target Bonus: 20%

Working Hours: 40 hours/week

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on Jabil's job posting and is inclusive of the mid-level and senior-level experience requirements for this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Jabil operates in the Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry, providing comprehensive engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain solutions for top brands worldwide.

Company Size: Jabil is a large, global organization with over 100 sites across multiple countries, employing over 200,000 people.

Founded: 1966

Team Structure:

The Principal Photonics Systems Engineer will work within the Intelligent Infrastructure business unit, collaborating with various engineering teams, including test, reliability, and quality engineering.
This role will engage with leading technology companies, contributing to the rapid transformative growth within the business unit.

Development Methodology:

Jabil employs Agile methodologies for product development, focusing on client engagement, process improvement, and continuous learning.
The company emphasizes structured R&D programs for process development and data-driven decision-making.

Company Website: Jabil

📝 Enhancement Note: Jabil's global presence and extensive experience in the EMS industry provide a robust platform for the Principal Photonics Systems Engineer to drive innovation and growth in the co-packaged-optics systems market.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Photonics Systems Engineering Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a deep understanding of photonic communication links, components, and wireline systems, as well as strong client engagement and process improvement skills.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Photonics Systems Engineer will report to the Director of Engineering within the Intelligent Infrastructure business unit and collaborate with various engineering teams.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant technical impact on co-packaged-optics systems, enabling design and manufacturing services for leading technology companies and driving process improvements to enable scalable manufacturing.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: As the company grows and expands its photonics systems engineering capabilities, there will be opportunities for the Principal Photonics Systems Engineer to take on more senior roles, such as a Senior Manager or Director of Engineering.
Technical Specialization: This role provides ample opportunities to deepen expertise in photonics packaging, fiber-optic connectivity, and test/metrology methods, as well as to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in the field.
Global Exposure: With Jabil's extensive global presence, there may be opportunities for international assignments or to work with clients and teams across different regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Photonics Systems Engineer's career growth will be driven by their ability to deliver results, drive process improvements, and build strong relationships with clients and internal teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Jabil offers a hybrid work environment, with the option to work remotely up to 70% of the time.

Office Location(s): Austin, Texas, United States (Remote OK)

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: Jabil fosters a collaborative work environment, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Modern Workspace: Jabil provides modern workspaces equipped with the necessary tools and resources to support productivity and innovation.
Global Collaboration: With Jabil's global presence, there will be opportunities to collaborate with teams and clients across different regions and time zones.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible, with the ability to work remotely up to 70% of the time. However, the role may require travel internationally up to 70% of the time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Photonics Systems Engineer's work environment will be dynamic, with a mix of remote work, international travel, and on-site collaboration with clients and internal teams.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the role, experience, and career goals.
Technical Deep Dive: A detailed technical conversation focused on photonics systems engineering, process improvement, and client engagement.
Behavioral Interview: An in-depth discussion of problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork.
Final Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager and other key stakeholders to assess cultural fit and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips: (N/A - Not Applicable for this role)

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Photonics Systems Engineering: Brush up on optical communication links, components, and wireline systems. Be prepared to discuss system design, test strategies, and process improvement techniques.
Problem-Solving Skills: Practice structured problem-solving methodologies and be ready to discuss real-world examples of driving process improvements and overcoming technical challenges.
Communication Skills: Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess communication, teamwork, and client engagement skills.

ATS Keywords: (See the Skills & Qualifications section for relevant keywords)

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Principal Photonics Systems Engineer will be comprehensive, focusing on technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure (N/A - Not Applicable for this role)

👥 Team Culture & Values

Photonics Systems Engineering Values:

Innovation: Jabil values innovation and encourages its engineers to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in photonics packaging, fiber-optic connectivity, and test/metrology methods.
Collaboration: Jabil fosters a collaborative work environment, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Customer Focus: Jabil is committed to understanding and meeting the unique needs of its clients, with a focus on delivering exceptional customer service.
Quality: Jabil is dedicated to delivering high-quality products and services, with a commitment to continuous improvement and process optimization.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Jabil encourages collaboration across different functions, including engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.
Code Review Culture: Jabil emphasizes structured code reviews and knowledge sharing to ensure high-quality products and processes.
Mentoring and Learning: Jabil supports a culture of mentoring and learning, with a focus on developing the skills and careers of its employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Photonics Systems Engineer's success will depend on their ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and clients, drive process improvements, and maintain a strong focus on quality and innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Complex System Design: Co-packaged-optics systems present unique design challenges, requiring a deep understanding of photonic communication links, components, and wireline systems.
Process Improvement: Driving process improvements in a manufacturing environment requires a strong understanding of statistical analysis, root cause identification, and data-driven decision-making.
Client Engagement: Building and maintaining strong relationships with leading technology companies requires excellent communication, listening, and problem-solving skills.
Emerging Technologies: Staying up-to-date with new technologies in photonics packaging, fiber-optic connectivity, and test/metrology methods can be challenging, as the field continues to evolve rapidly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Jabil offers various training programs and resources to help employees develop their technical skills and stay up-to-date with emerging technologies.
Conferences and Events: Jabil encourages employees to attend industry conferences and events to network with peers, learn about new technologies, and gain insights into market trends.
Mentorship and Coaching: Jabil provides mentorship and coaching opportunities to help employees grow their careers and develop their leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Photonics Systems Engineer's growth will be driven by their ability to tackle technical challenges, drive process improvements, and build strong relationships with clients and internal teams.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Photonics Systems Engineering: Be prepared to discuss optical communication links, components, and wireline systems, as well as system design, test strategies, and process improvement techniques.
Problem-Solving Skills: Practice structured problem-solving methodologies and be ready to discuss real-world examples of driving process improvements and overcoming technical challenges.
Client Engagement: Prepare for questions about building and maintaining strong relationships with leading technology companies, as well as understanding and meeting their unique needs.

Company & Culture Questions:

Jabil Culture: Research Jabil's company culture, values, and mission to demonstrate a strong fit with the organization.
Team Dynamics: Prepare for questions about working in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment and driving process improvements across different functions.
Career Growth: Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: (N/A - Not Applicable for this role)

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Principal Photonics Systems Engineer will be comprehensive, focusing on technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. Thorough preparation and research will be essential for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Photonics Systems Engineer position:

Submit Application: Submit your application through the application link provided.
Prepare for Phone Screen: Brush up on your resume, experience, and career goals in preparation for the phone screen.
Research Jabil: Familiarize yourself with Jabil's company culture, values, and mission to demonstrate a strong fit with the organization.
Prepare for Technical Deep Dive: Review your technical skills, system design, test strategies, and process improvement techniques in preparation for the detailed technical conversation.
Practice Problem-Solving: Practice structured problem-solving methodologies and prepare real-world examples of driving process improvements and overcoming technical challenges.
Prepare for Behavioral Interview: Research Jabil's team dynamics and prepare for questions about working in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment and driving process improvements across different functions.
Finalize Your Strategy: Develop a clear and concise strategy for the final interview, focusing on your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit with Jabil.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Principal Photonics Systems Engineer