Firmware Engineer – Optical Transceivers

Terahop; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Terahop in San Jose, CA, seeks a motivated Firmware Engineer with 1–3 years of embedded firmware experience for optical transceiver development. You will collaborate with hardware, optics, and test teams to implement and optimize control algorithms, monitoring functions, and communication protocols for Terahop’s transceivers.

Responsibilities include developing firmware, integrating low-level drivers, and validating system performance using lab instruments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field.
• 1–3 years of embedded firmware development for optical transceivers or similar hardware.
• Strong C programming skills and experience with common IDEs/tools.
• Familiarity with I2C, SPI and UART protocols and testing with lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain embedded firmware for optical transceiver modules.
• Implement control and monitoring logic for lasers, TECs, and photodiodes.
• Integrate and debug drivers (I2C, SPI, MDIO) and state machines.
• Support CMIS, SFF, and IEEE specifications and collaborate with hardware/test teams.
• Contribute to firmware validation, reviews, and documentation.

Skills

Embedded firmware

C programming

I2C/SPI/UART

Lab instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Keil

IAR

GCC

Job description

We are seeking a motivated Firmware Engineer to join our optical transceiver development team. The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of hands‑on experience in embedded firmware design for optical or related area. You will collaborate closely with our hardware, optics, and test teams to implement and optimize control algorithms, monitoring functions, and communication protocols for Terahop’s optical transceivers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain embedded firmware for optical transceiver modules Implement control and monitoring logic for lasers, TECs, and photodiodes.
• Integrate and debug low-level drivers (I²C, SPI, MDIO, etc.) and state machines.
• Support implementation of industry standards such as CMIS, SFF, and IEEE specifications.
• Collaborate with hardware and test engineers to bring up new module designs.
• Participate in firmware validation and system performance testing.
• Contribute to code reviews, documentation, and continuous improvement processes.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in embedded firmware development for optical transceivers or similar hardware.
• Proficiency in C and familiarity with embedded development tools (Keil, IAR, GCC, etc.).
• Solid understanding of digital communication protocols (I²C, SPI, UART).
• Basic knowledge of optical module architecture and control (laser bias, temperature control, diagnostics).
• Experience with lab instruments such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and power meters.

Preferred:

• Experience with CMIS or SFF MSA-based transceiver firmware.
• Knowledge of DSP‑based PAM4 optical modules and SerDes control interfaces.
• Familiarity with Python scripting for automation and test support.
• Understanding of hardware bring up and system‑level integration.

Why Join Terahop

• Work on cutting‑edge optical communication products in a collaborative, innovative environment.
• Small, focused team with strong engineering ownership and fast project cycles.
• Opportunities for technical growth and exposure to full product lifecycle development.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.