Engineer, Hardware Test Software

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

Job summary

Ayar Labs in San Jose is seeking an Engineer for Hardware Test Software, focusing on Python-based software development and testing processes. You will automate tasks, troubleshoot instruments, and enhance manufacturing test flows in a dynamic startup environment.

The role requires a BS in Electrical Engineering or related field, along with proficiency in Python and understanding of communication protocols. We offer a competitive salary package of $130k to $160k annually.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 1+ years of industry experience; or MS with 0–2 years.
• Proficiency with Python and familiarity with C/C++ or Java.
• Experience with data structures and algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Write Python software to automate experimental runs and data analyses.
• Troubleshoot issues related to optical instruments and software.
• Implement improvements to Test flows for high volume manufacturing.

Skills

Python proficiency

Instrument communication protocols (GPIB, RS232, USB)

Git

MongoDB

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

C/C++

Open Source Software

Job description

Position: Engineer, Hardware Test Software

Location: San Jose, CA

Job Id: 619

# of Openings: 0

Engineer, Hardware Test Software

Job Location: On-site in San Jose

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 agentic coding (claude or gemini)
• Experience with chip communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, etc)
• Experience working in Linux environments
• Familiarity with Jira or similar project management system

Annual salary range: $130k - $160k

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.