Laser Tech lead Engineer

Lyte AI Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical coverage

Flexible vacation

Collaborative environment

Cutting-edge technologies

Job summary

Lyte AI Inc. in Sunnyvale, California is seeking a highly technical laser engineer to drive development and validation of III-V lasers and amplifiers for photonic sensing applications.

You will own design verification against system requirements, collaborate with OSAT/foundry partners, and support hybrid integration with silicon photonics components, contributing to transitions from R&D to high-volume manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field with 3–5 years 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 requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own III-V R&D characterization of lasers, amplifiers, and heterogeneously integrated subsystems (phase noise, linewidth, RIN).
• Develop and expand test coverage; troubleshoot test setups and design issues.
• Perform comprehensive characterization and data analysis to meet system requirements.
• Run simulations in Python/Simulink to support device characterization.
• Support III-V layout and tape-out; participate in design reviews and methodology improvements.
• Collaborate with SiPh team and operations to hybrid-integrate III-V with SiPh components.
• Work with OSAT and foundry partners to mature components toward high-volume manufacturing.
• Create detailed design documentation and technical specifications.

Skills

Python

C

C++

MATLAB

Data analysis

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Lasers

Photodetectors

Modulators

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

VNAs

Motorized stages

Lock-in amplifiers

Job description

We areseekinga 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 documentationand 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
• Familiarity with silicon photonics and passive optical components
• Strong familiarity with data reporting required for product development
• Ability to translate system requirements intolaser 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 workindependently 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
• Experienceworking 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
• Flexible vacation and time-off policy
• Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment
• Opportunity to work oncutting-edgetechnologies with a highly cross-functional team

About Lyte

Lyte buildsperceptionsystems for Physical AIoperatingin 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

The pay range for this role is:

150,000 - 230,000 USD per year (Bay Area, CA)