Optical Engineer

About the role

The Optical Engineer will support Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) test and validation activities, owning test concept development, test-fixture and setup design, test execution, data analysis, and technical communication with cross-functional teams and customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own test concepts and measurement plans for CPO modules, optical engines, and related fiber/free-space subsystems.
• Design, build, and validate optical test setups and fixtures (fiber coupling, alignment stages, free-space benches, fiber interfaces).
• Execute hands-on measurements and characterize devices: insertion loss, return loss, PDL, crosstalk, extinction ratio, OSNR, eye diagrams, and other relevant optical metrics.
• Automate test sequences and data collection (scripting for instrument control, logging, basic analysis).
• Analyze test data, perform statistical and signal-processing analysis, and summarize technical findings.
• Troubleshoot test and integration issues; work cross-functionally to implement corrective actions and design-for-test improvements.
• Prepare clear technical documentation (test plans, procedures, reports) and present results to program leadership and customers.

Requirements

• BS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, EE, or related physical sciences.
• 3+ years hands-on experience in optical testing and characterization (fiber and/or free-space).
• Practical experience with fiber and free-space optic device test methods and common optical metrics (IL, RL, PDL, OSNR, etc.).
• Proficiency with optical lab equipment: OSA, optical power meters, BERTs, alignment stages, fiber handling tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present technical results to cross-functional teams and customers.
• Able to work onsite in Fremont, CA; occasional travel as required.

Qualifications

• MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, EE, or related physical sciences.
• Experience specifically in CPO, optical packaging, or photonics test engineering.
• Hands-on free-space alignment, beam profiling, interferometry, or opto-mechanical fixture design experience.
• Scripting/coding for test automation and analysis (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW) — able to develop/reuse instrument-control scripts and data pipelines.
• Project management experience: tracking milestones, coordinating cross-functional tasks, and driving to deliverables.
• Exposure to reliability testing environments (thermal cycling, vibration) or electro-optical co-design constraints.

Skills

• Strong experimental troubleshooting and hands-on lab skills.
• Ability to translate test requirements into practical, robust test setups and repeatable procedures.
• Analytical mindset with basic signal processing/statistics for optical data interpretation.
• Attention to detail and rigorous documentation practices.
• Collaborative communicator who can simplify complex results for non-specialists and engage effectively with customers.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off.
• Educational assistance, may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance.

Pay

$130,000 - $160,000 per year.

Schedule

Onsite position (5 days/week) in Fremont, CA.