Senior Optical Product Engineer (AI)

TL;DR

Senior Optical Product Engineer (AI): Leading the qualification, reliability, and manufacturing readiness of high-speed optical transceivers and interconnect technologies for next-generation AI networking platforms with an accent on product robustness and supplier integration. Focus on developing validation plans, investigating failure modes, and influencing technology roadmaps for hyperscale infrastructure.

Location: Must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area or Southern California

Salary: $120,000–$350,000

Company

A well-funded, VC-backed AI networking hardware startup redefining infrastructure for the world’s largest hyperscalers.

What you will do

• Lead qualification, reliability, and manufacturing readiness for high-speed optical transceivers and fiber optic assemblies.
• Develop and execute validation plans to ensure long-term optical performance and field reliability.
• Define inspection, cleaning, assembly, and handling processes for optical components.
• Partner with hardware, manufacturing, and quality teams to establish best practices for deployment.
• Evaluate and qualify new optics and cable suppliers, providing technical guidance on manufacturing capabilities.
• Investigate failure modes and implement corrective actions to improve product robustness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in optical product engineering, NPI, or reliability engineering.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed networking optics and cable technologies (400G+).
• Strong understanding of optical component manufacturing processes and reliability testing.
• Experience developing qualification plans and failure analysis methodologies.
• Proven track record of working directly with suppliers and contract manufacturers.

Nice to have

• Experience with automated optical inspection systems and BERT testing.
• Familiarity with cleanroom processes and fiber handling best practices.
• Knowledge of next-gen interconnects like co-packaged optics and active copper solutions.
• Understanding of industry standards for high-speed optical networking.