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NPI Engineer

1 open position

Request :

Estel is now looking for an NPI Engineer for our Production line in Chastrès, Belgium. The NPI Engineer will support the development and industrialization of advanced optical transceiver modules. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in mechanical design, optical module packaging, assembly processes, and NPI execution. Experience of FAU (Fiber Array Unit) machines for optical alignment, fibre attach, and precision assembly is a merit. 

This role is highly cross-functional, working closely with R&D, optics, electronics, reliability, and manufacturing teams to bring optical transceiver designs from prototype to mass production. 

Key Responsibilities :

Mechanical & Packaging Engineering 

Perform geometric, tolerance analysis, and material selection for precision assembly. 

Collaborate with electrical, optical and thermal engineers to ensure robust system integration. 

Optical Module Assembly & Process Development 

Develop and qualify assembly processes such as: 

  • Fiber attach and optical alignment (active and passive) 

  • FAU, PM fibre, PIC, glass interposer handling, placement, and bonding 

  • Soldering, epoxy dispense/cure, laser welding, cleaning 

  • Component assembly such as lens, isolator, connector mating, hermetic sealing. 

Define assembly jigs, fixtures, and tooling for NPI and mass production. 

Conduct process capability studies and drive DFM/DFA improvements. 


NPI Execution 

Lead NPI builds for transceiver modules, from EVT/DVT into pilot and MP. 

Operate, configure, and troubleshoot FAU NPI machines for test runs and engineering builds. 

Develop SOPs, WI, BOMs, ECNs, and process documents. 

Support FA (Failure Analysis) and root cause investigations for yield and performance issues. 

Interface with CM partners to ensure smooth production transfer. 

 

FAU NPI Machine Operation & Optimization 

Operate FAU automated equipment for: 

  • Fiber alignment 

  • Fiber attach (UV/thermal bonding) 

  • Optical coupling validation 

Optimize machine recipes, bonding parameters, and alignment algorithms. 

Monitor machine performance, diagnose issues, and work with vendors for maintenance or upgrades. 

Train technicians and operators on best practices for FAU-based assembly processes. 


Qualifications:  

Required :  

  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering, Opto-Mechanics, Mechatronics, or related field. 

  • 3+ years’ experience in photonics assembly, packaging, opto-mechanical design, or NPI. 

  • Hands-on experience operating or developing processes on FAU / fiber attach NPI machines. 

  • Strong CAD experience (SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent). 

  • Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance stack-up, precision mechanics, and optical coupling principles. 

  • Working knowledge of DFM, DFA, SPC, and NPI process flows. 

  • Language: English on C1 Advanced to C2 Proficient level 

Preferred : 

  • Experience with PIC, Optical component packaging, micro-optics, active alignment, and optical test. 

  • Knowledge of QSFP, OSFP, SFP, CFP, or other telecom/datacom multisource agreement form factors. 

  • Experience with high-volume optical component manufacturing. 

  • Driver License. 

Workplaces 

4 Allée des Plantains, 5650 Chastrès Belgium 


Reporting 

The NPI engineer reports to the Production Manager and --- CTO. 

Chastrès, Belgium
Engineering
Full-Time

Sales Director Telecom Operators

1 open position

Request :

Estel is now looking for a Sales Director for Telecom Operators responsible for leading and expanding strategic sales activities with global and regional telecom carriers (Tier 1, Tier 2, and alternative operators). This role combines deep market understanding of optical networking with strong commercial leadership to drive revenue growth, secure long-term partnerships, and position the company as a preferred supplier of optical transceiver solutions.

The Sales Director will manage key accounts, develop strategic sales plans, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure successful execution of high-value commercial engagements.

This role is highly cross-functional, working closely with R&D, optics, electronics, reliability, and manufacturing teams to bring optical transceiver designs from prototype to mass production. 

Key Responsibilities :

Strategic Sales Leadership

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy targeting telecom operators globally or regionally.

  • Identify growth opportunities in 5G, FTTH, metro/core networks, data transport, coherent optics, and emerging technologies.

  • Lead full-cycle sales activities from opportunity identification to contract negotiation and closure.

Account Management & Customer Development

  • Own executive-level relationships with telecom operators, including procurement, engineering, and network strategy teams.

  • Build a multi-year account plan to increase share of wallet and strengthen vendor positioning.

  • Gather customer requirements and influence product roadmaps in alignment with operator needs.

Revenue & Pipeline Growth

  • Drive sales performance to meet or exceed revenue, margin, and volume targets.

  • Manage accurate forecasting, funnel management, and quarterly business reviews.

  • Lead the preparation of commercial proposals, RFQs/RFPs responses, and long-term supply agreements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with product management, engineering, marketing, operations, and executive leadership.

  • Translate customer requirements into clear technical and operational actions.

  • Coordinate with supply chain teams to optimize allocation, lead times, and delivery performance.

Market & Competitive Intelligence

  • Monitor market trends such as coherent evolution, 400G/800G transitions, pluggable optics, disaggregation, and ROADM architectures.

  • Track competitor positioning, pricing strategies, and technology roadmaps.

  • Provide insights to support strategic decisions and product differentiation.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

  • 10+ years of sales experience in telecom, optical networking, or related telecom hardware sectors.

  • Proven success managing large accounts in Tier 1/Tier 2 operators.

  • Deep knowledge of optical transceivers, DWDM systems, coherent optics, switching/routing ecosystems, and operator procurement cycles.

  • Strong negotiation skills and ability to close multi-million-dollar contracts.

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage C-level relationships.

Preferred

  • Experience in an optical module or photonics manufacturing company.

  • Understanding of technical standards (IEEE, ITU-T, OIF) and optical module form factors (SFP/SFP+, QSFP28/56/112/DD, CFP/CFP2/CFP4, OSFP).

  • Familiarity with global telecom infrastructure trends: 5G transport, broadband rollout, open/ disaggregated optical networks.

  • MBA or advanced business/technical degree.

Workplaces 

Onsite or remote 

Reporting 

The Sales Director reports to the Sales Manager and C-level

Chastrès, Belgium
Sales
Full-Time

We are a team of passionate people whose goal is to improve telecom and datacom through disruptive products. 


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