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Advanced Packaging Engineer

Samtec Inc · San Diego, CA3w agoverified 31 min ago
$187k – $212kfrom the posting

BS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $126k (332 that show pay).

Architect next-gen optical/optoelectronic packaging, materials and process development from concept to validation

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Upstream, future-state R&D — no sustaining engineering — with external joint development and IP/publication scope.

Might not be for you. 15+ years required and optics/optoelectronics-centric; not an early-career or pure polymer role.

Technical lead Senior hires only Works with universities

Adjacent materials roleExtensive background in materials, packaging architectures, and advanced process development; research emerging materials and processes

Seniority
Staff/Principal
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
15+ yrs
Industry
Electronics
Role
R&D / Research
Relocation
Offered
Benefits
401k 7% contribution + 5% matchbonuses three times per yearrelocation package

Role details

Description

*Position at Samtec, Inc* Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $1 billion global manufacturer of broad line 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.

Position Summary

The Advanced Packaging Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for conceiving, architecting, and maturing next‑generation optical and optoelectronic technologies. This role focuses on future‑state capability creation, advanced materials and packaging architectures, and long‑term technology differentiation. The position operates upstream of production and is not responsible for sustaining engineering or day‑to‑day manufacturing support.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Advanced Technology & Architecture Development

  • Define and develop next‑generation optical and optoelectronic packaging architectures.
  • Lead architectural trade studies considering optical performance, materials behavior, and future scalability.
  • Establish technology concepts that enable future product families and platforms.

Research & Early‑Stage Development

  • Research emerging materials, processes, and assembly technologies aligned with long‑term company roadmaps.
  • Lead feasibility studies, proof‑of‑concept efforts, and early‑stage demonstrations.
  • Evaluate technology readiness levels and define pathways for maturation.

Characterization & Reliability Strategy

  • Define characterization and reliability evaluation methodologies for early‑stage technologies.
  • Analyze optical, mechanical, and thermal data to inform design decisions.
  • Identify technical risks and failure mechanisms early in development.

Technology Strategy & Roadmapping

  • Contribute to long‑term optics and optoelectronics technology roadmaps.
  • Identify capability gaps and propose strategic development initiatives.
  • Support senior leadership through technical reviews and risk assessments.

External Collaboration

  • Identify, evaluate, and partner with material suppliers, equipment vendors, and research institutions.
  • Lead joint development initiatives with external partners.
  • Influence external technology roadmaps to align with future needs.

Technical Leadership

  • Serve as a recognized technical authority for advanced optical technologies.
  • Contribute to intellectual property, publications, and technical knowledge growth.
  • Mentor engineers on advanced technology concepts.

Required Education

  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field required.
  • MS or Ph.D. preferred.

Required Experience

  • 15+ years of experience in optical, optoelectronic, or advanced microelectronics development.
  • Extensive background in materials, packaging architectures, and advanced process development.
  • Demonstrated experience creating and maturing new technologies from concept through early validation.
  • Proven record of technical leadership and independent problem solving.

Salary And Benefit Offerings

The

preferred location

for this position is the

Samtec Vista Design Center

in

San Diego/Vista, CA

. At this site, the salary range is $187,000 – $212,000 annually , based on experience, plus

generous Samtec bonuses

paid three times per year (February, August, and late fall).

A

secondary option

is the

Silicon Valley Design Center

in

Santa Clara, CA

, where the salary range is $220,000 – $250,000 annually , based on experience, plus the same bonus structure.

The

third location

is the

Samtec Microelectronics facility

in

Colorado Springs, CO

, with a salary range of $159,000 – $180,000 annually , based on experience, plus bonuses as noted above.

Relocation assistance

is available

only for moves to the preferred location

(San Diego/Vista, CA).

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.

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

SAMTEC, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to creating a diverse environment. All employment decisions at Samtec are based in business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, pregnancy or parental status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity/expression, marital status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws. Privacy Policy: https://www.samtec.com/about/legal/#privacyrightspage

Related roles

Common questions

What is the salary for the Advanced Packaging Engineer role at Samtec Inc?

The listed annual base salary range is $187K–$212K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Where is the Advanced Packaging Engineer role at Samtec Inc based?

This role is based in San Diego, CA.

What degree is required for the Advanced Packaging Engineer role at Samtec Inc?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this Advanced Packaging Engineer role require?

The posting calls for at least 15 years of relevant experience.