Sr. Staff Engineer, System Validation - Photonics

Sr. Staff Engineer, Systems and Hardware Validation

Location: San Jose (on-site)

Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light instead of electricity to move data faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy needed to fuel the explosive growth of AI models.

Backed by industry giants like NVIDIA, AMD and Intel and manufactured in partnership with the world’s leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs’ co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures.

We are seeking an experienced Validation Engineer to spearhead the validation efforts that ensure our groundbreaking products meet and exceed both component and system-level requirements.

This pivotal role will drive the transition of our technology from initial release to customer deployment, guaranteeing a seamless and high-performance experience for our clients.

If you are a seasoned validation expert with a passion for solving complex technical challenges and an interest in lasers, photonics, CMOS, and system-level concepts, this is your chance to make a significant impact on the future of interconnect technology.

Essential Functions

• Lead Validation Strategy: Define and implement comprehensive validation methodologies that guarantee our products meet both component and system-level product requirements. This includes developing test plans, defining success criteria, and selecting appropriate test equipment and methodologies.
• Drive Product Bring-up: Collaborate with Design Engineering to bring up cutting-edge silicon photonic and laser products, troubleshooting and resolving any technical issues that arise.
• Validate Component and System Performance: Perform rigorous design validation on new chips and products through electrical and optical characterization of VLSI integrated circuits and optoelectronic systems.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to identify and implement product improvements through Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), bench characterization, and other techniques.
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI): Collaborate with Design, Package, and Reliability Engineering to ensure a smooth and successful transition of products from development to mass production.
• Deliver Customer-Ready Documentation: Author and maintain comprehensive customer-facing validation reports and documentation that clearly communicate product performance and reliability.
• Make Critical Decisions: Drive decisions around design trade-offs and specification adjustments, balancing performance, manufacturability, and time-to-market to ensure products are ready for customer deployment.
• Develop Test Software and Infrastructure: Create and maintain software scripts and test hardware stations required for efficient and comprehensive validation.
• Ensure Timely Delivery: Manage project schedules and execution to meet product timelines and customer demand, while maintaining the highest quality standards.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• 5 years of experience with component and system test equipment (BERT, DCA, OSA, etc.) and standard signal quality metrics (TDECQ, SRS, URS).
• 4 years of experience in programming languages (Python, etc.) for test automation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of communication protocols and standards (Ethernet, PCIe, etc.).
• Able to analyze complex technical problems, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.
• Understanding of data analysis, process control, and statistical methods.
• Experience with SoC validation planning, bring-up, debugging, and optimization.
• Experience with high-speed SerDes and their characterization and optimization.
• Knowledge of optical transceiver packaging and integration challenges.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D.
• Industry experience in semiconductor lasers, photonics, system test, and validation
• Knowledge of component and system test equipment (BERT, DCA, OSA, etc.) and standard signal quality metrics (TDECQ, SRS, URS).
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, etc.) for test automation and data analysis.
• Experience with high-speed SerDes and their characterization and optimization.
  
  

Salary range: $160,000-$223,000

Note To Recruiters

Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don’t send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.

Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.