Senior Optical System Engineer (AI)

TL;DR

Senior Optical System Engineer (AI): Designing, validating, and optimizing next-generation AI and datacenter optical interconnect technologies with an accent on silicon photonics and high-speed DSP-based links. Focus on developing 1.6T/3.2T interconnects and ensuring system-level interoperability for hyperscale AI infrastructure.

Location: Santa Clara, CA, USA (Onsite)

Salary: $150,000 – $230,000

Company

An 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 for 1.6T/3.2T optical interconnects and silicon photonics PICs.
• Execute comprehensive validation plans for optical modules, high-speed interfaces, and rack-level system qualification.
• Characterize and optimize performance metrics including BER, TDECQ, jitter, OSNR, and power efficiency.
• Perform high-speed optical and electrical debug 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 cross-functional teams (DSP/ASIC, SI/PI, packaging, firmware) to optimize system performance.

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.
• Expertise in silicon photonics PICs, CPO/OCI architectures, and 400G/800G/1.6T optical systems.
• Proficiency with lab instrumentation: BERTs, DCAs, high-speed oscilloscopes, OSAs, and tunable lasers.
• Strong scripting and automation skills using Python, MATLAB, and LabVIEW.
• Deep understanding of IEEE 802.3 standards, QSFP-DD/OSFP modules, and CMIS.

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 (IEEE, OIF, MSA, CMIS) through publications or patents.
• Familiarity with RF simulation tools such as Lumerical, HFSS, ADS, COMSOL, VPI, or Zemax.

Culture & Benefits

• Award-winning environment recognized for engineering excellence, diversity, and work-life balance.
• Inclusive culture that values diversity of thought and perspectives.
• Comprehensive US benefits including medical, dental, vision, and wellbeing programs.
• Tax savings and income protection options for US-based employees.