Principal Laser Controls Engineer 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, 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 Principal Laser Controls Engineer to define and drive the control architecture for advanced laser-based optical modules. This role demands deep expertise in laser physics, control systems, and embedded implementation. You will own the technical vision for laser control-spanning optical power regulation, current control, thermal stabilization, and wavelength calibration-ensuring robust, scalable, and production-ready solutions across the full product lifecycle.
Essential Functions - Define and own the end-to-end laser module control architecture, including:
- APC (Automatic Power Control) loops for stable optical output
- ACC (Automatic Current Control) strategies for laser drive optimization
- Automatic calibration frameworks (power, current, aging compensation, temperature drift)
- TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler) control for wavelength and thermal stability
- Lead the design, modeling, and optimization of laser control loops, accounting for:
- Laser non-linearities (L-I curves, threshold behavior)
- Aging, degradation, and environmental variations
- Noise, stability margins, and transient performance
- Architect closed-loop control strategies that balance performance, reliability, and manufacturability across PVT and lifetime conditions
- Develop and own module embedded laser control firmware, including:
- Real-time control loops
- Calibration routines (factory + in-field)
- Fault detection, protection, and recovery mechanisms
- Establish modeling and correlation frameworks linking simulation to silicon and optical performance
Required Qualifications - BS in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Controls, or related field
- ~12-15+ years of experience with deep focus on laser systems and control
- Strong expertise in:
- APC/ACC loop design and optimization
- Laser behavior (L-I-V characteristics, thermal effects, degradation mechanisms)
- Feedback control theory and real-world implementation
- Proven experience implementing calibration algorithms (factory and adaptive/in-field)
- Strong embedded firmware background for real-time control systems
- Proficiency in modeling and simulation (MATLAB/Python/Simulink or equivalent), with demonstrated correlation to hardware
- Track record of driving system-level architecture and influencing cross-functional teams
Preferred Qualifications
- MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Controls, or related field
- Experience with pluggable optical modules and CMIS
- Familiarity with high-speed optical links, SerDes
- Experience with reliability engineering (lifetime drift, burn-in, field performance)
- Exposure to high-volume manufacturing, yield optimization, and test infrastructure
Salary Range: $224,000 to $280,000
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.
