Staff Optical Test & Validation Engineer

Staff Optical Test & Validation Engineer

San Jose, CA | $160,000–$250,000 + Bonus

A growing semiconductor company is developing next-generation optical connectivity solutions for AI datacentres and high-performance computing.

They're looking for an experienced Optical Validation & Test Engineer to lead testing of high-speed optical transceivers and optical engines, building scalable test frameworks and driving product validation from early development through qualification.

The Role

• Lead optical validation for high-speed transceivers and optical engines.
• Develop reusable test frameworks, lab automation and data analysis tools.
• Define and execute EVT/DVT plans, including characterisation, regression testing and debug.
• Validate optical and link performance, including BER, eye quality, jitter, TDECQ, sensitivity and optical power.
• Support reliability testing, qualification and failure analysis.
• Work closely with design, systems, hardware, firmware and manufacturing teams to resolve issues and improve test efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship across validation teams.

What We're Looking For

• MS or PhD in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related field.
• 6+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong hands-on experience validating optical transceivers, optical engines or high-speed optical interconnects.
• Experience developing test software, lab automation and scalable validation frameworks.
• Proficiency in Python and/or LabVIEW, MATLAB or C/C++.
• Strong knowledge of optical and high-speed lab instrumentation, measurement techniques and debugging.

Experience with 800G/1.6T transceivers, PAM4, silicon photonics, DSP-based modules or AI optical interconnects is highly desirable.

Compensation & Benefits

• $160,000–$250,000 base salary, depending on experience.
• Performance bonus and potential short- and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive healthcare, 401(k), paid leave and additional benefits.