Optical Systems Engineer

About the role

Lumilens is a well-funded startup focused on building the critical photonics infrastructure that powers tomorrow's AI supercomputing. Our mission is to unlock a new era of computing - faster, cooler, and massively more efficient. We are developing high-speed photonics products designed to power the future of AI infrastructure and high-performance computing. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the foundational technology shaping the future of data centers and AI.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of optical transceiver products from concept through implementation.
• Define specifications and develop comprehensive end-to-end optical system models, including digital signal processing (DSP), drivers, transimpedance amplifiers (TIA), and optical components such as lasers, Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs), and photodetectors.
• Perform signal integrity analysis and implement and simulate digital equalization techniques such as FFE, DFE, MLSD, and pre-emphasis for signal integrity optimization.
• Define verification testing requirements both for transceivers and components.
• Analyze the impact of impairments such as noise, crosstalk, non-linearity, and reflections on system performance.
• Conduct both numerical and analytical simulations to assess optical system behavior under realistic operating conditions.
• Correlate simulation models with experimental data at both module and component levels.

Requirements

• Experience with transceiver design and high-speed optical communication systems and components.
• Familiarity with direct-detection and coherent optical communication architectures.
• Experience in modeling optoelectronic components (e.g., lasers, modulators, photodiodes, DAC, ADC, driver, TIA) using tools such as VPIphotonics, MATLAB, or Python.
• Knowledge of modeling on common impairments in high-speed optical links.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed optical component measurements using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other relevant equipment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Willingness to travel (~20% of the time).

Qualifications

• MS or Ph. D. in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related technical field.

Skills

• Advanced DSP techniques, such as linear and decision-feedback equalization (FFE/DFE).
• Modeling on common impairments in high-speed optical links.
• High-speed optical component measurements using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other relevant equipment.

Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance
Professional development and certification opportunities
Access to cutting-edge optical/photonics test environments and tools
Collaborative, cross-functional team dedicated to solving some of the hardest challenges in photonics
Equal opportunity employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, identity, orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status