A leadframe of a parallel optical communications module has tapered protrusions disposed on an upper surface thereof that are positioned and shaped to mate with respective tapered openings formed in a lower surface of an optics module of the parallel optical communications module. The tapered protrusions are used as fiducial marks during a mounting process during which an array of optoelectronic devices is positioned, oriented and secured to the upper surface of the leadframe. Subsequently, during a passive alignment process, the lower surface of the optics module is placed in contact with the upper surface of the leadframe such that the tapered protrusions of the leadframe mate with respective tapered openings formed in the optics module, which causes the optoelectronic devices to come into precise optical alignment with the respective lenses.