About the RoleThis is a senior-level, highly specialized engineering role focused on the design, qualification, and productization of next-generation optical interconnect technologies for AI scale-up and scale-out networks. The engineer owns the full lifecycle - from component characterization and link budget analysis to system-level bring-up and data center deployment - across the evolving spectrum of optical integration approaches:
pluggables, NPO, and CPO.
What You'll DoTechnology Evaluation & Qualification- Validate and productize high-speed copper and optical connectivity solutions for AI accelerator systems; own vendor due diligence and onboarding for new 1.6T products including AEC and pluggable optical transceivers.
- Characterize and qualify optical modules across the integration spectrum - DSP Optics, LRO, LPO, NPO, and CPO - for 800G and 1.6T deployment in scale-up AI fabrics
- Perform link budget analysis and evaluate performance metrics including TDECQ, OMA, stressed receiver sensitivity, and associated diagnostics.
Component & System Engineering- Develop expertise in transceiver components including CW lasers, SiPh PICs, EML, DSP, passive subassemblies, their failure modes, and characterization methodologies.
- Evaluate silicon photonics (SiPh) transceivers, VCSEL-based MMF links, and EML-based SMF solutions for scale-up fabric topologies
- Apply knowledge of thermal, mechanical, power, and signal integrity constraints in dense hardware environments.
Scale-Up Network Architecture- Define optical interconnect strategy for AI cluster topologies - rail-optimized, torus, dragonfly, and Clos - at XPU counts from 10K to 1M+
- Model and optimize end-to-end link budgets for 1.6T (200G/lane PAM4) across fiber types: SMF, MMF, MCF
- Engage with the transition from 1.6T to 3.2T (400G/lane) roadmaps and new form factors emerging with LPO and CPO.
Supply Chain & Vendor Management- Develop familiarity with subcomponent supply chains and global manufacturers, ODMs, and CMs.
- Manage technical relationships with optical module vendors (Coherent, II-VI/Coherent, Lumentum, Innolight, HG Genuine, Eoptolink) and silicon photonics suppliers
- Drive NPI (New Product Introduction) qualification plans, yield improvement, and reliability testing with manufacturing partners
What We're Looking ForExperience & Education- BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or Photonics
- 7-12+ years in optical interconnect engineering, with at least 3 years focused on data center or AI fabric applications
- Hands-on experience qualifying 400G, 800G, or 1.6T optical modules in production environments
- Deep knowledge of PAM4 signal theory, SerDes architecture, and optical link physics at 200G per lane
- Proficiency in optical test equipment: BERT, OTDR, optical spectrum analyzers, sampling oscilloscopes (e.g., Keysight 86100), optical power meters, TDECQ testers
- Experience with OIF-CEI, IEEE 802.3dj electrical and optical compliance specs
- In-depth expertise in debugging and troubleshooting hardware; experience in the product development lifecycle.
- Understanding of fiber plant requirements: MPO/MTP connector, fiber cleanliness, insertion loss, PMD, and bend radius for high-density AI cluster cabling
- Experience with link budget modeling tools (MATLAB, Python-based photonic simulation, GNPY)
- Ability to collaborate with switch ASIC teams (SerDes architects), PCB/signal integrity engineers, thermal/mechanical engineers, and NOS/software teams
- Strong technical documentation and vendor communication skills
Bonus PointsBackground in AI accelerator or GPU system validationFamiliarity with JEDEC or PCIe compliance testing methodologiesExperience with statistical process control (SPC) or large-scale data analysis for silicon characterizationCompensationThe US base salary for this full-time position is determined based on a variety of factors including role, experience, location, job related skills, and relevant education and training. Career length is only a guideline for compensation.
- Early Career - $120,000 - $250,000 + equity
- Mid Career - $175,000 - $362,500 + equity
- Senior Career - $250,000 - $475,000 + equity
What We Offer- A Stake in our success A flexible cash equity compensation mix that fits your needs
- Heath & Wellness Company subsidized Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance; Pre-tax Health Savings Accounts with generous company contribution (even if you don't)
- Time To Recharge 4 weeks paid time off (accrued), 12 company holidays, and 3 weeks remote/flexible work per year
- Support to Parents Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, regardless of your path to parenthood
- Learning & Development $1,500 yearly towards your professional development e.g. conferences, courses, and other learning opportunities
- Team Connection Team Lunches, quarterly off-sites, and regular town halls
- Financial Wellbeing 401K and/or Roth IRA, with 5% company contribution, even if you don't!
- Flexible Spending Accounts Pre-tax spend accounts for medical, dental/vision, dependent care, parking, and transit expenses
- Commute On Us For those commuting up to 1 hour, put your rideshare cost on our company card and reclaim the drive-time to get work done!
- MatX E[x]tras $50 per month to use on the perks you care about most
- Remote Perks We work remotely Monday & Friday, supported by home-tech setup, and remote wifi expense reimbursement
