Laser Tech lead Engineer

Lyte AI; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Flexible vacation

Collaborative environment

Cutting-edge tech projects

Job summary

Lyte, based in Sunnyvale, CA, seeks a highly technical laser engineer to drive development and validation of III-V lasers and amplifiers. You will own R&D characterization, test development, and data analysis to meet system requirements, collaborating with OSAT and foundry partners.

You will also support hybrid integration with silicon photonics, participate in design reviews, and help transition components from R&D to high-volume manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in EE/Applied Physics with 3–5 years in III-V laser development.
• Proven experience in III-V laser development.
• Familiarity with silicon photonics and passive optical components.
• Strong data reporting for product development.
• Ability to translate system requirements into laser specs.
• Experience with lab equipment: lasers, photodetectors, modulators, optical amplifiers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, VNAs, motorized stages, lock-in amplifiers.
• Experience with optical system modeling.
• Software development in Python, C, C++, or MATLAB.
• Understanding of coherent communications, integrated optics, and semiconductor physics.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Characterize lasers, amplifiers, and III-V/SiPh subsystems (phase noise, linewidth, RIN).
• Develop and expand test coverage; troubleshoot setups and design issues.
• Analyze data to ensure components meet system requirements.
• Run simulations in Python/Simulink to support characterization.
• Support layout/tape-out; participate in design reviews.
• Collaborate with SiPh and operations to hybrid-integrate components.
• Coordinate with OSAT and foundry partners; drive development and resolutions.
• Assist transition to high-volume manufacturing.
• Create design documentation and technical specifications.

Skills

III-V laser development

Data analysis

Python/C/C++/MATLAB

Optical characterization

Silicon photonics familiarity

Documentation & design specs

Strong communication

Lasers

Photodetectors

Modulators

Optical amplifiers

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

VNAs

Motorized stages

Lock-in amplifiers

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a highly technical, detail-oriented laser engineer to drive the development and validation of III-V semiconductor lasers and amplifiers. This role is ideal for someone with strong experience in laser validation for sensing applications. You will own the development and validation of III-V semiconductor laser components and laser systems against system requirements. You will also serve as a liaison for validating laser performance within a tightly integrated photonic sensor. In addition, you will support OSAT and foundry activities for III-V assembly and fabrication. Success in this role requires clear communication, strong execution, and attention to detail.

What you'll do

• Own III-V R&D characterization of lasers, amplifiers, and heterogeneously integrated III-V and Silicon Photonic subsystems. This includes characterization such as phase noise, linewidth, and RIN.
• Own III-V R&D test development and expand test coverage as needed for additional requirements. Troubleshoot and debug test setups and design issues, identifying and resolving challenges in a timely manner.
• Perform comprehensive characterization and data analysis to ensure III-V components meet system requirements.
• Perform simulations in Simulink or Python-equivalent environments to support device characterization.
• Support III-V layout and tape-out, participate in design reviews, and contribute to design methodology improvements.
• Collaborate with the silicon photonics (SiPh) team and operations team to hybrid-integrate III-V components with SiPh components.
• Work closely with OSAT and foundry partners to drive the development of III-V components and resolve technical challenges
• Support the transition of key laser components from R&D into high-volume manufacturing
• Create detailed design documentation and technical specifications

Required Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, plus 3-5 years of industry experience in III-V laser development or a related area
• Demonstrated experience in III-V laser development
• Familiarity with silicon photonics and passive optical components
• Strong familiarity with data reporting required for product development
• Ability to translate system requirements into laser requirements
• Strong familiarity with various lab equipment, such as lasers, photodetectors, modulators, optical amplifiers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, VNAs, motorized stages, and lock-in amplifiers
• Experience with optical system modeling of complex photonic components
• Experience developing software in Python, C, C++, or MATLAB
• Good understanding of coherent communications, signal integration, integrated optics, and semiconductor physics
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep understanding of high‑power semiconductor lasers and amplifiers in optical systems
• Experience with new product transfer from R&D to operations teams
• Experience working with internal customers and external vendors (foundry, OSAT).
• Background in photonic sensing, coherent communications or lidar
• Familiarity with multi‑chip packages, silicon photonics, and hybrid/heterogeneous integration of III‑V components
• Ability to operate effectively in a startup environment with ambiguity, speed, and high ownership
• Additional experience with high‑power semiconductor lasers and low‑linewidth laser systems

Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)

• Competitive salary and equity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible vacation and time‑off policy
• Collaborative, fast‑paced, and inclusive work environment
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge technologies with a highly cross‑functional team

About Lyte

Lyte builds perception systems for Physical AI operating in complex environments. The company combines custom silicon, integrated sensors, and software into a unified platform for robotics, mobility, and next‑generation automation. Lyte is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with a global presence. For more information, visit www.lyte.ai

If you're excited about building impactful technology in a dynamic, hands‑on environment, we'd love to hear from you!