Sr. Staff Engineer, Free-Space Optics (Test, Characterization & Modeling)Location: San Jose (on-site)
Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light instead of electricity to move data faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy needed to fuel the explosive growth of AI models.
Backed by industry giants like NVIDIA, Mediatek, AMD and Intel and manufactured in partnership with the world's leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs' co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures.
We are seeking a Sr. Staff Optical Engineer to lead optical test, characterization, and modeling for free-space optical systems in next-generation modules. This is a hands-on, lab-centric role with strong ownership of measurement strategy, while also driving modeling and simulation to predict, interpret, and correlate system performance. You will bridge design and reality-ensuring optical architectures are both well-understood and production-ready.
Key Responsibilities - Lead development of optical test and characterization frameworks for free-space optical subsystems, including: Lenses, isolators, and polarization optics, Fiber Array Units (FAUs) and fiber coupling interfaces
- Develop and own optical models and simulations to: Predict coupling efficiency, loss mechanisms, and alignment tolerances, Analyze sensitivity to mechanical, thermal, and optical variations,
- Guide design decisions and test plans
- Perform deep optical characterization and root-cause analysis
- Partner with design, laser, and packaging teams to: Feed test insights back into architecture and tolerancing
- Define realistic specs and manufacturability limits
- Drive DFM/DFT for optical systems, including alignment strategies, test coverage, and yield optimization
- Support NPI builds, bring-up, and production ramp, ensuring robust and scalable test methodologies
Required Qualifications - BS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 6+ years of experience spanning optical testing, modeling, and system validation
- Deep hands-on expertise in free-space optical alignment and fiber coupling
- Knowledge in optical measurement techniques (IL, RL, beam profiling, polarization, etc.)
- Strong proficiency in optical modeling tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, Lumerical or equivalent)
- Proven ability to correlate simulation with experimental results
- Experience building and scaling optical test setups and automation frameworks
- Strong analytical skills to extract insights from complex datasets and drive decisions
Preferred Qualifications - MS or Ph.D.
- Experience with optical transceivers or photonic modules
- Familiarity with laser systems and source behavior
- Experience in high-volume manufacturing and yield optimization
- Exposure to reliability testing and environmental qualification
Salary range: $190,000 - $240,000
NOTE TO RECRUITERS:
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don't send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.
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