Job Summary:The Principle Optical Fiber Architect reports into the System Design organization. This role leads the Optical Distribution Network (ODN) design and integration for current and future systems. This includes the design, development, integration and validation of the fiber network and hardware to support the complex fiber network needed in our quantum systems. They will be responsible to bridge component-level fiber link designs and top-level system requirements, ensuring functionality, reliability, and performance.
Responsibilities:- Technical Lead of the fiber distribution network for current and future system designs.
- Define end-to-end system fiber link architecture connecting subsystems, PICs and control systems. Lead designs that can scale from prototypes to large-scale, manufacturable system fiber networks.
- Establish design principles for ultra-low-loss links, length stability, phase and polarization stability.
- Address thermal drift, vibration sensitivity, and mechanical stability across fiber networks.
- Define guidelines for fiber routing, splicing, connectorization, cleanliness, and handling to meet quantum performance thresholds.
- Own, define & develop design requirements and document requirements for system level behaviors.
- Work effectively with cross functional team: quantum architect, electronics, mechanical and thermal teams and assess how to negotiate for tradeoffs and meet requirements.
- Work with vendors and evaluate advanced fiber optic components, and qualify such components for use in quantum computing applications.
- Assess how to push technical boundaries to meet tight optical specs (optical loss and thermal stability).
- Lead build and test prototypes, maintain a BOM.
- Lead validation tests plans & deliver proof of concept to productization, working closely with the system build and validation team.
- Some Python scripting, calling Controls SW APIs / drivers to control lab equipment and proprietary systems.
- Clear communication and cross functional collaboration.
Experience/Qualifications:- M.S. or PhD in Physics, Optical or Electrical Engineering with 10+ years industry experience.
- >5+ years experience designing, validating and testing fiber networks and fiber optical systems.
- Deep expertise in fiber optics, including loss mechanisms, dispersion, nonlinear effects, polarization, and phase stability.
- Experience designing fiber optic systems, fiber networking and working with advanced splice equipment and optimization, fiber handling and routing.
- Experience working with optical test equipment including power meters, optical backscatter reflectometers (OBR), optical spectrum analyzer (OSA).
- Experience working with instrumentation used in the photonics and/or the electronics industry.
- Experience with software controls in Python.
- Experience developing test methods and optimization, tuning algorithms.
- Experience in product lifecycles, transitioning from R&D to product development.
- Strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask.
- Strong critical thinking, creative, innovative, analytical, and detail oriented problem-solving skill.
- Ability to lead and work in a fast paced environment & collaborate with cross functional team.
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located. Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
U.S. Base Pay Range
$170,000-$230,000 USD
Bay Area Pay Range
$240,000-$265,000 USD
