Principal Engineer, Laser Controls

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• MS in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Controls, or related field
  • 12+ years of experience with deep focus on laser systems and control
• 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

• Ph.D.
• 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

$200,000 - $260,000