Senior Optical Hardware Engineer

About the role

Credo is seeking an Senior Optical Hardware Engineer to join our Zero Flap optical module development team at our San Jose headquarters. In this role, you'll validate and debug optical modules operating at 212.5 Gbps (PAM4) and beyond, applying your expertise in signal and power integrity to ensure optimal performance and readiness for high-volume production. You'll partner with cross-functional teams and industry partners to advance Credo's Zero Flap optical products from prototype through mass manufacturing—playing a critical role in shaping the next generation of high-speed optical interconnects.

Base salary range is $140,000 - $210,000 a year. The base salary offer will depend on factors such as education, experience, training, skills, qualifications, and location. This position is also eligible for a discretionary bonus, equity and a full range of medical and other benefits.

Why Credo

• Purpose: We invest in what matters. From meaningful-future shaping projects to competitive compensation, we empower you to grow your career while making a lasting impact.
• People: Connection starts within. We collaborate, celebrate wins, and create an environment where everyone can do their best work.
• Possibilities: Our belief shapes what’s next. Our technology powers the most reliable and energy-efficient connections around the world – and our team powers new products and markets that come next.

Responsibilities

Module PCB Design & Development (Core Focus)

• Review PCB-level requirements, interfaces, and constraints in collaboration with mechanical, firmware, optical, and manufacturing teams.
• Review PCB layouts, including component placement, stack-up design, high-speed routing, controlled impedance paths, and SI/PI-driven layout strategies.
• Perform PCB bring-up, debugging, and characterization using oscilloscopes, VNAs, high-speed scopes, and power analysis tools.
• Review SI/PI simulations and modeling reports, including channel analysis, PDN optimization, and high-speed data path modeling for 1.6Tbps module architectures.
• Support NPI and mass production, ensuring manufacturability, yield, reliability, and DFM compliance.
• Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure production readiness and timely issue resolution.

Optical System Integration

• Coordinate electrical-optical system integration for high-speed modules, aligning PCB architecture with optical engine requirements.
• Define electrical interfaces for optical components—drivers, TIAs, DSPs/Coherent ASICs, lasers, and photodiodes—ensuring signal integrity across the full optical chain.
• Collaborate with optical, mechanical, and packaging teams to co-optimize PCB designs for thermal paths, mechanical constraints, fiber routing, and optical engine placement.
• Support integration of optical subassemblies (ROSAs, TOSAs, Coherent Optical Engines), including connector selection, power delivery, and high-speed interface routing.
• Debug electrical-optical performance issues, including modulation errors, link margin problems, thermal drift, eye diagrams, and interface compatibility.
• Develop system-level test plans validating both electrical and optical performance against industry standards (IEEE, OIF, MSAs).
• Work with optical component suppliers to align mechanical, electrical, and thermal requirements and influence next-generation platform roadmaps.
• Ensure seamless integration across the full module stack: firmware, DSP/ASIC behavior, power regulation, clocking, and optical performance.

Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optoelectronics, Optics, or Applied Physics, with 7 years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with industry standards governing optical modules (IEEE, QSFP-DD, OSFP, CMIS).
• Proficiency with PCB design and analysis tools.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed optical and electrical test equipment.
• Familiarity with optical alignment and manufacturing-floor equipment.
• Strong skills in analyzing alignment data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing PCBs for 800Gbps or 1.6Tbps optical transceiver modules.
• Familiarity with optical component manufacturing technologies and the industry landscape.
• Experience leading and contributing to cross-functional teams.

About Credo

Credo’s mission is to transform connectivity at scale through fast, reliable, and energy-efficient system solutions. Our high-speed copper and optical interconnect products deliver industry-leading power and performance at up to 1.6T to meet the ever-expanding data infrastructure demands of AI.

Our product portfolio includes ZeroFlap (ZF) Active Electrical Cables (AECs) and ZF optical transceivers, OmniConnect memory solutions, and a suite of retimers and DSPs for optical and copper Ethernet and PCIe, all leveraging the PILOT diagnostic and analytics software platform. Credo innovations enable our customers to connect the systems that connect the world.

Credo is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email people@credosemi.com.