Staff Hardware Engineer, Optical Module R&D

Our Cloud and Networking Optical Module R&D team is a world-class group of international engineers dedicated to designing and developing advanced optical transceivers and related technologies. We focus on delivering high-performance, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solutions that propel cutting-edge telecom and data center applications. The Staff Hardware Engineer plays a pivotal role in collaborating with cross-functional teams—including firmware, test, materials, and manufacturing engineers—to bring next-generation products to market. This is an engineer position based in San Jose, US.

Key Responsibilities

Drive Complex Hardware Development: Take ownership of the most complex hardware tasks and projects with minimal supervision, leveraging deep knowledge of hardware principles and concepts.

Opto-Electronic Package Design: Design and manufacture cost-effective opto-electronic packages, ensuring alignment with performance targets, reliability needs, and budget constraints.

Standards & Compliance: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of design specifications, compliance requirements, and qualification standards (e.g., Telcordia), incorporating them into hardware design and testing.

Hardware Testing & Troubleshooting: Lead testing and analysis of complex hardware systems and components, diagnosing design-related problems and implementing efficient solutions.

Materials Science Expertise: Apply extensive knowledge of materials science principles and material properties to innovate and develop new methods for testing and analysis, advancing hardware reliability and performance.

Methodology Development: Spearhead the creation and implementation of new material testing and analysis methodologies to support ongoing hardware development and ensure robust product quality.

High-Speed Circuit & PCB Design: Develop and optimize PCB circuits with a focus on high power efficiency, low noise, and small footprints, collaborating closely with CAD engineers on high-speed circuit layouts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with firmware engineers on integrated hardware-firmware solutions, and partner with test engineers during NPI phases to seamlessly transition products into manufacturing.

Global Teamwork: Coordinate with talented engineers across the US, Europe, and Asia, ensuring innovative solutions and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.

Optical/Electronics Experience: Proven background in designing high-speed electronic or optical systems; track record of successful product releases is highly desirable.

High-Speed Components: Hands-on experience with high-speed integrated circuits (e.g., DSPs, drivers, TIAs) and test equipment (oscilloscopes, network analyzers, DCA, etc.).

Software Proficiency: Experience scripting in Python (or similar) for measurement automation and data analysis.

Analytical Skills: Strong troubleshooting capabilities and a results-oriented approach to resolving hardware design challenges.

Desired Qualifications

Multi-Disciplinary Background: Experience bridging optical, mechanical, electrical, and materials science disciplines to deliver robust hardware solutions.

Innovation Mindset: Demonstrated success in developing novel testing and analysis methodologies that enhance product performance.

Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, comfortable working with global teams in a fast-paced environment.

Process Improvement: History of identifying areas for process or cost improvement and implementing successful changes in product design or manufacturing flow.

Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams or initiatives, guiding less experienced engineers to achieve project milestones.