Engineer, Test Software

InvestedintheMission; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ayar Labs, based in San Jose, CA, is seeking an Engineer in Test Software to enhance their dynamic software infrastructure. The role includes developing Python software for experiment automation and collaborating with a small team to ensure high volume production.

Ideal candidates have a strong educational background in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science and proficiency in key programming languages. Salary range for this position is between $130,000 and $160,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of industry experience for BS or 0–2 years for MS.
• Proficiency writing and debugging programs for instrument control.
• Experience working in Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Write Python software to automate experimental runs and data analyses.
• Troubleshoot issues related to optical instruments and software.
• Identify gaps in Test coverage and improve processes for high volume manufacturing.

Skills

Proficiency with Python

Familiarity with C/C++ or Java

Proficiency with instrument communication protocols

Proficiency with Git

Working knowledge of data structures and algorithms

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

MongoDB

PostGresSQL

Jira

Job description

Position

Engineer, Test Software

Location

San Jose, CA

Job ID

619

Openings

0

Overview

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, AMD, Mediatek 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.

As an Engineer in the Software Infrastructure group of the Product and Test Engineering department, you will be expected to execute assigned software development tasks independently, applying standard engineering techniques and judgment to adapt solutions that will enable high volume production of our SuperNova and TeraPHY parts. You will work closely with your colleagues in the Product and Test Engineering department to help them consolidate, standardize, test, and release instrument drivers, test recipes, and other software solutions. You will be joining a small team in a dynamic startup environment, where you are expected to take on a wide range of responsibilities with guidance from senior engineers and team leads, and to learn and grow with the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Write Python software to automate experimental runs and data analyses
• Troubleshoot issues related to optical instruments, electrical components, or software
• Identify gaps in Test coverage, design, and flow. Implement new Tests to improve coverage
• Implement improvements to Test flows and processes to enable high volume manufacturing
• Collaborate with Ayar Labs Data Engineering to ensure that Test results flow smoothly into our internal database
• Collaborate with the Product and Test Engineering department to support software needs while following best practices for version control and documentation
• Escalate and help resolve software/firmware issues with equipment vendors
• Provide regular updates to team leads on project status, flagging blockers and proposing solutions within assigned scope

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 1+ years of industry experience; or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 0–2 years of industry experience
• Proficiency with Python; familiarity with C/C++ or Java
• Proficiency with instrument communication protocols (GPIB, RS232, USB, etc)
• Proficiency writing and debugging programs for instrument control
• Proficiency with Git, unit testing and CI/CD
• Working knowledge of data structures and algorithms
• Proficiency working with MongoDB and SQL databases like PostGresSQL

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with C/C++ or Java
• Experience with javascript
• Experience with agentic coding (claude or gemini)
• Experience with chip communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, etc)
• Experience with test and measurement of photonics, optics, and electronics
• Experience working in Linux environments
• Familiarity with Jira or similar project management system

Salary

Annual salary range: $130k - $160k

Recruiter Note

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.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.