Principal Hardware Engineer (Optics)

TL;DR

Principal Hardware Engineer (Optics): Design, develop, and validate electrical hardware for optical modules and AI platform components with an accent on high-speed silicon photonics, power/signal integrity, and full product lifecycle ownership. Focus on PCB bring-up and debugging, hardware verification under operating conditions, and cross-functional requirements/specification and supplier collaboration.

Location: San Diego, CA

Salary: $152,300 - $225,440 per annum

Company

hirify.global builds semiconductor solutions for data infrastructure across enterprise, cloud, and AI.

What you will do

• Own the design, development, and testing of electrical hardware for optical modules and AI platforms.
• Provide technical ownership for specific module platforms and mentor junior engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define hardware requirements, specifications, and validation plans.
• Work with external component suppliers to shape product roadmaps, guide technology development, and support component selection.
• Partner with PCB layout engineers on component placement, routing for signal integrity/power integrity, and bandwidth requirements.
• Lead PCB board bring-up, debugging, and hardware validation using lab equipment; maintain design documentation (schematics, PCB layouts, BOMs) and support manufacturing.

Requirements

• 10-15 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; or 5-10 years with a Master’s degree and/or PhD in the same fields; or equivalent experience.
• Strong experience in electrical hardware design and development.
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering principles, including power management and high-speed signal/power integrity.
• Experience with CAD tools for schematic capture and PCB layout (e.g., Allegro, OrCAD).
• Proficiency using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, signal analyzers) and electrical measurement/testing methodologies.
• Basic knowledge of semiconductor processing and packaging technology.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with firmware for board-level communication and scripting.
• Familiarity with DCI technology standards and protocols.
• Understanding of thermal management and EMI/EMC considerations.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits covering financial well-being, family support, mental and physical health, and recognition.
• Employee stock purchase plan with a 2-year look back.
• Family support programs to balance work and home life.
• Mental health resources and service awards.
• Interview integrity policy prohibits using AI tools during interviews.

Hiring process

• Interviews to evaluate individual experience, thought process, and communication in real time.
• Compensation and benefits details shared during the interview process.