Principal Optical Fiber Architect

About the role

The Principle Optical Fiber Architect leads the Optical Distribution Network (ODN) design and integration for current and future systems. This includes designing, developing, integrating, and validating the fiber network and hardware to support the complex fiber network needed in quantum systems. Responsibilities include bridging component-level fiber link designs and top-level system requirements, ensuring functionality, reliability, and performance.

Responsibilities

• Technical Lead of the fiber distribution network for current and future system designs.
• Define end-to-end system fiber link architecture connecting subsystems, PICs and control systems.
• Lead designs that can scale from prototypes to large-scale, manufacturable system fiber networks.
• Establish design principles for ultra-low-loss links, length stability, phase and polarization stability.
• Address thermal drift, vibration sensitivity, and mechanical stability across fiber networks.
• Define guidelines for fiber routing, splicing, connectorization, cleanliness, and handling to meet quantum performance thresholds.
• Own, define & develop design requirements and document requirements for system level behaviors.
• Work effectively with cross-functional team: quantum architect, electronics, mechanical and thermal teams and assess how to negotiate for tradeoffs and meet requirements.
• Lead build and test prototypes, maintain a Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Lead validation tests plans & deliver proof of concept to productization, working closely with the system build and validation team.
• Some Python scripting, calling Controls SW APIs / drivers to control lab equipment and proprietary systems.
• Clear communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• M.S. or PhD in Physics, Optical or Electrical Engineering with 10+ years industry experience.
• 5+ years experience designing, validating and testing fiber networks and fiber optical systems.
• Deep expertise in fiber optics, including loss mechanisms, dispersion, nonlinear effects, polarization, and phase stability.
• Experience designing fiber optic systems, fiber networking and working with advanced splice equipment and optimization, fiber handling and routing.
• Experience working with optical test equipment including power meters, optical backscatter reflectometers (OBR), optical spectrum analyzer (OSA).
• Experience working with instrumentation used in the photonics and/or the electronics industry.
• Experience with software controls in Python.
• Experience developing test methods and optimization, tuning algorithms.
• Experience in product lifecycles, transitioning from R&D to product development.
• Strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Strong critical thinking, creative, innovative, analytical, and detail oriented problem-solving skill.
• Ability to lead and work in a fast-paced environment & collaborate with cross-functional team.