In one example, an optical subassembly positioning plate is provided that includes a substantially flat body that defines at least one edge. A port is defined in the body. The port is configured to receive and secure an optical subassembly in an x-direction and a y-direction when said optical subassembly positioning plate is positioned within an optoelectronic transceiver module. A plurality of fingers is defined along at least one edge of the body. Each of the plurality of fingers is configured to contact a shell of the optoelectronic transceiver module so as to bias a flange of the optical subassembly against a portion of the shell of the optoelectronic transceiver module such that the optical subassembly is substantially retained in a z-direction when the optical subassembly positioning plate is positioned within the optoelectronic transceiver module.