Sr. Engineer, Free-Space Optics
Company: Ayar Labs
Role summary
Sr. Engineer, Free-Space Optics is a role at Ayar Labs in San Jose, California, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-08-12. Experience level: 2-5.
- Job title
- Sr. Engineer, Free-Space Optics
- Company
- Ayar Labs
- Location
- San Jose, California, United States
- Work arrangement
- on-site
- Category
- Software Engineering
- Experience level
- 2-5
- Date posted
- 2026-08-12
Job description
Sr. Engineer, Free-Space Optics (Test, Characterization & Modeling)
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, Mediatek, 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 Optical Engineer to lead optical test, characterization, and modeling for free-space optical systems in next-generation modules. This is a hands-on, lab-centric role with strong ownership of measurement strategy, while also driving modeling and simulation to predict, interpret, and correlate system performance. You will bridge design and reality—ensuring optical architectures are both well-understood and production-ready.
Key Responsibilities
Develop optical test and characterization frameworks for free-space optical subsystems, including: Lenses, isolators, and polarization optics, Fiber Array Units (FAUs) and fiber coupling interfaces
Develop and own optical models and simulations to: Predict coupling efficiency, loss mechanisms, and alignment tolerances, Analyze sensitivity to mechanical, thermal, and optical variations,
Guide design decisions and test plans
Perform deep optical characterization and root-cause analysis
Partner with design, laser, and packaging teams to: Feed test insights back into architecture and tolerancing
Define realistic specs and manufacturability limits
Drive DFM/DFT for optical systems, including alignment strategies, test coverage, and yield optimization
Support NPI builds, bring-up, and production ramp, ensuring robust and scalable test methodologies
Required Qualifications
BS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
2+ years of experience spanning optical testing, modeling, and system validation
Deep hands-on expertise in free-space optical alignment and fiber coupling
Knowledge in optical measurement techniques (IL, RL, beam profiling, polarization, etc.)
Strong proficiency in optical modeling tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, Lumerical or equivalent)
Proven ability to correlate simulation with experimental results
Experience building and scaling optical test setups and automation frameworks
Strong analytical skills to extract insights from complex datasets and drive decisions
Preferred Qualifications
MS or Ph.D.
Experience with optical transceivers or photonic modules
Familiarity with laser systems and source behavior
Experience in high-volume manufacturing and yield optimization
Exposure to reliability testing and environmental qualification
Salary range: $150,000 - $192,000
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.