Senior Staff Optical Packaging Engineer (Photonics)

TL;DR

Senior Staff Optical Packaging Engineer (Photonics): Lead the full prototyping lifecycle for co-packaged optics in next-generation Photonic Engine for FirstLight long-range Lidar with an accent on optical package design, reliability analysis, and manufacturing processes. Focus on conducting failure modes analysis, executing Design of Experiments, and collaborating cross-functionally to transition R&D into scalable hardware.

Location: Mountain View, California (hybrid, in office at least 3 days per week)

Salary: $197,000 - $285,000 per year

Company

hirify.global delivers self-driving technology via the hirify.global Driver to create safer, more efficient mobility and logistics.

What you will do

• Lead optical package design for the Photonic Engine in FirstLight Lidar system.
• Conduct reliability and failure modes analysis for packaging designs.
• Optimize manufacturing processes and troubleshoot via Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prototype and deliver next-generation Photonic Engine.

Requirements

• PhD in Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field.
• 7+ years industry R&D experience transitioning mechanical design of optoelectronic packages to manufacturing.
• Experience with optical components (gratings, mirrors, lenses) and attachment techniques (epoxy, solder).
• Expert knowledge of component qualification (e.g., GR-468), reliability testing, and statistical analysis.
• Track record in failure mode analysis and resolution for optical packaging.

Nice to have

• Strong DOE and statistical software skills (JMP, Minitab) for optimization and root cause analysis.
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) process from design to manufacturing release.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work: in office at least 3 days per week to foster collaboration and leadership.
• Annual bonus, equity compensation, and comprehensive benefits.
• Values-driven culture focused on integrity, ambitious goals, and winning together.
• Commitment to safety and inclusion in all aspects of work.