What are the responsibilities and job description for the Optical Test & Validation Lead position at PER International?
Optical Test & Validation Lead
Location: San Jose, CA (4 days onsite)
We are partnering with a leading semiconductor company to hire an Optical Test & Validation Teach Lead to join a new, high-impact engineering team focused on next-generation fiber optic transceivers and optical engines for AI infrastructure.
This is a hands-on individual contributor role at a senior staff / principal level, centered on building scalable capability, leading optical test strategy, and driving product readiness through development and qualification.
The Role
You will take ownership of validation for advanced optical modules and interconnect technologies, working at the intersection of optics, high-speed electrical systems, and automated test infrastructure.
This role requires deep technical expertise, strong ownership, and the ability to operate across teams to deliver robust, production-ready validation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Define and lead validation strategy for fiber optic transceivers and optical engines used in high-speed AI and datacenter systems
- Build and scale automated optical test frameworks, including software, lab automation, and data analysis tools
- Develop and execute validation plans across EVT, DVT, and reliability qualification stages
- Characterize and validate key optical metrics, including Tx/Rx performance, BER, eye quality, TDECQ, sensitivity, optical power, wavelength stability, thermal performance, and power
- Drive root-cause debug across optics, high-speed electrical interfaces, firmware, and test infrastructure
- Partner closely with design, systems, manufacturing, and reliability teams to improve validation coverage and design-for-test
- Lead technical problem-solving and ensure validation readiness through product milestones
Requirements
- MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- 5 years of experience in optical module validation and test, ideally for fiber optic transceivers or optical engines
- Strong experience in automated test software development, lab automation, and scalable validation frameworks
- Deep understanding of high-speed optical links and transceiver/module characterization
- Hands-on experience supporting EVT, DVT, and reliability qualification
- Proficiency with Python, lab instrumentation, and automated test systems
- Proven ability to debug complex issues across hardware and system boundaries
Preferred Experience
- Background in datacenter optics, AI infrastructure, or high-speed networking
- Experience with silicon photonics, optical engines, or advanced optical interconnects
- Exposure to failure analysis and reliability testing workflows
- Experience building validation methodologies adopted across multiple teams
- Familiarity with manufacturing test or design-for-test considerations
Additional Information
- This is a hands-on IC role at a senior staff / principal level
- Candidates must be willing to work onsite in San Jose 4 days per week
- Relocation support and visa sponsorship are available for the right candidate
We are committed to submitting suitable candidates for this vacancy to our client ASAP, for more information contact Maria Mercado at PER Recruitment or send your CV at maria.m@per-international.com