An optical coupling assembly includes optical fibers and a fiber coupling structure assembly that includes an active optical component (AOC) array. The AOC array includes wafer material, AOCs, and soldering pads. The fiber coupling structure assembly includes a rigid substrate that defines apertures and includes an array connection surface on which additional soldering pads are formed. The rigid substrate is fixed to the AOC array by bump joints that connect the soldering pads of the AOC array with the additional soldering pads formed on the array connection surface such that each of the apertures is aligned with a corresponding one of the AOCs. The optical fibers may be positioned relative to the one or more apertures such that an optical signal may be communicated between a corresponding one of the optical fibers and a corresponding one of the AOCs via a corresponding one of the one or more apertures.