Optical / Photonics Validation Engineering, Senior Director

We are looking for an Optical Validation Engineering, Senior Director to drive the characterization, validation, and qualification of near-packaged optics (NPO) and co-packaged optics (CPO) systems. In this role, you will define and implement the validation approach that ensures the optical, electrical, and thermal performance of advanced photonic interconnects used in next-generation data center and networking platforms.

You will work at the intersection of silicon photonics, packaging, electrical design, and systems engineering to ensure robust product performance from prototype to production.

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  Lead a team that owns the optical validation strategy and roadmap for optical connectivity products.

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  Develop and execute comprehensive validation and test plans covering optical coupling, insertion loss, signal integrity, thermal stability, and reliability metrics.

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  Define optical test methodologies for complex integrated systems involving photonic, electrical, and mechanical interfaces.

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  Collaborate with design, packaging, and system architecture teams to translate product specifications into measurable validation criteria.

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  Establish automated test frameworks for high-throughput optical and electrical validation (instrument control, data analysis, and reporting).

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  Analyze measurement data to identify performance trends, failure modes, and root causes.

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  Lead design-of-experiments (DOE) initiatives to optimize system performance and yield.

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  Interface with manufacturing, reliability, and quality teams to ensure seamless transition to volume production and long-term reliability.

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  Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices in optical validation and measurement science.

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent field.

• 8+ years of experience in optical module testing, photonic component validation, or high-speed interconnect qualification.

• Deep understanding of optical measurements (IL, RL, BER, eye diagrams, mode coupling), optical alignment, and signal characterization.

• Hands-on experience with optical instrumentation (optical spectrum analyzers, BERTs, network analyzers, power meters, interferometers).

• Strong background in data analysis, automation scripting (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB), and statistical validation methods.

• Familiarity with packaging-related optical performance dependencies (thermo-mechanical stress, optical coupling efficiency, etc.).

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with a proven ability to align across multidisciplinary hardware teams.

• Experience with co-packaged optics, silicon photonics assemblies, and near-packaged optical interfaces.

• Knowledge of industry standards and compliance testing (IEEE 802.3, OIF, or custom CPO protocols).

• Understanding of reliability qualification (HTOL, TC, mechanical shock/vibration for optical components).

• Familiarity with system-level validation for networking and hyperscale data center environments.