Laser Module Technical Lead

Xscape Photonics Inc; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Xscape Photonics Inc. in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Senior/Principal Laser Module Tech Lead to own system architecture and end-to-end performance of laser modules for high-speed optical communications.

You will integrate semiconductor lasers, SOAs, silicon PICs, packaging, electronics, firmware, and thermal management into a manufacturable product. As technical lead, you will coordinate across engineering disciplines and with suppliers to deliver modules from concept through production, guiding

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 12–15+ years with demonstrated technical leadership.
• Deep understanding of semiconductor lasers and laser module integration.
• Experience integrating lasers with silicon photonic PICs.
• Strong knowledge of optical packaging, fiber coupling, alignment, and assembly processes.
• Experience with laser control electronics, TEC control, and monitoring photodiodes.
• Familiarity with optical communication systems and module-level performance metrics.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through product development.

Responsibilities

• Own the overall architecture and system performance of laser module products.
• Define module-level requirements, interface specifications, and performance budgets.
• Allocate optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance targets across subsystem owners.
• Lead integration of: Semiconductor lasers, SOAs, Silicon photonic PICs, optical isolators and fiber interfaces, driver electronics, firmware, and thermal solutions.
• Define characterization plans for optical power, wavelength, linewidth, SMSR, RIN, polarization, coupling efficiency, and thermal performance.
• Lead system-level debugging and root-cause analysis of optical, electrical, and thermal issues.
• Drive design tradeoffs balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Work with laser, PIC, firmware, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to achieve goals.
• Collaborate with external suppliers on component specs, qualification, and manufacturing readiness.
• Support product qualification, reliability testing, and transfer to volume manufacturing.

Skills

Photonics/Optical Engineering

Technical leadership

Semiconductor lasers integration

Silicon photonics integration

Optical packaging & alignment

Laser control electronics

Fiber coupling & assemblies

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MS or PhD in Photonics/Optical Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Physics

Tools

Optical characterization equipment

Reliability testing equipment

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Laser Module Tech Lead to lead the system architecture, integration, and technical execution of advanced laser modules for high-speed optical communication applications. This role will own the end-to-end performance of the laser module, ensuring seamless integration of semiconductor lasers, SOAs, silicon photonic PICs, optical packaging, electronics, firmware, and thermal management into a reliable, manufacturable product.
As the technical lead, you will work across engineering disciplines and with external suppliers to deliver laser modules from concept through production.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the overall architecture and system performance of laser module products.
• Define module-level requirements, interface specifications, and performance budgets.
• Allocate optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance targets across subsystem owners.
• Lead integration of:
  • Semiconductor lasers (DFB, DBR, ECL, tunable)
  • SOAs
  • Silicon photonic PICs
  • Optical isolators, filters, and fiber interfaces
  • Driver electronics and control circuitry
  • Firmware for laser monitoring and control
  • Mechanical packaging and thermal solutions
• Define characterization plans for optical power, wavelength, linewidth, SMSR, RIN, polarization, coupling efficiency, and thermal performance.
• Lead system-level debugging and root-cause analysis of optical, electrical, and thermal issues.
• Drive design tradeoffs balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Work closely with laser, PIC, firmware, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to achieve system performance goals.
• Collaborate with external suppliers on component specifications, qualification, and manufacturing readiness.
• Support product qualification, reliability testing, and transfer to volume manufacturing.

Required Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience:

• MS or PhD in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Principal Level: 12–15+ years with demonstrated technical leadership.
• Deep understanding of semiconductor lasers and laser module integration.
• Experience integrating lasers with silicon photonic PICs.
• Strong knowledge of optical packaging, fiber coupling, alignment, and assembly processes.
• Experience with laser control electronics, TEC control, and monitoring photodiodes.
• Familiarity with optical communication systems and module-level performance metrics.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through product development.

Preferred Experience

“Nice to have” Skills & Experience:

• External cavity and narrow-linewidth lasers
• High-speed optical transmit engines
• Co-packaged optics
• 400G/800G/1.6T optical modules
• Passive optical alignment and active alignment techniques
• Automated manufacturing and production test development
• Reliability qualification and failure analysis