Senior Optical System Engineer (AI)

TL;DR

Senior Optical System Engineer (AI): Leading the design and validation of next-generation AI/datacenter optical interconnect technologies with an accent on silicon photonics, CPO/OCI architectures, and high-speed DSP-based links. Focus on optimizing 1.6T/3.2T optical interconnects and ensuring system-level interoperability for hyperscale AI infrastructure.

Location: Santa Clara, CA, USA

Company

Industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments.

What you will do

• Lead system-level design validation and qualification of advanced optical interconnect products, including 1.6T/3.2T systems and silicon photonics PICs.
• Develop and execute comprehensive validation plans for optical modules and rack-level system qualification.
• Characterize and optimize key performance metrics such as BER, TDECQ, jitter, OSNR, and power efficiency.
• Lead high-speed optical and electrical debug activities for PAM4 links operating at 200G/lane, 400G/lane, and beyond.
• Develop and automate optical/electrical test stations using Python, MATLAB, and LabVIEW.
• Collaborate with photonics, DSP/ASIC, packaging, and firmware teams to optimize system performance and manufacturability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in optical system validation, transceiver qualification, or subsystem testing.
• Strong expertise in silicon photonics PICs, PAM4 modulation, and high-speed Rx/Tx characterization.
• Proficiency with lab instrumentation including BERTs, DCAs, high-speed oscilloscopes, and OSAs.
• Strong experience with test automation using Python, MATLAB, and LabVIEW.
• Must be based in Santa Clara, CA, USA.

Nice to have

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics.
• Experience with coherent optical systems and AI cluster optical interconnect architectures.
• Contributions to industry standards such as IEEE 802.3, OIF, CMIS, or MSA.
• Familiarity with RF simulation tools like Lumerical, HFSS, ADS, COMSOL, VPI, or Zemax.

Culture & Benefits

• Inclusive environment that values diversity of thought and perspective.
• Recognition as a Best Engineering Team with a focus on relentless innovation.
• Strong company culture regarding diversity, compensation, and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI infrastructure for hyperscale environments.