Optical System Design Lead

Langham Recruitment; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Langham Recruitment is seeking an Optical System Design Lead for a growing silicon photonics company. You will drive optical coupling, photonic packaging, and system integration from concept through prototyping, validation and manufacturing.

The role requires 7+ years in optical system design or photonics, an advanced degree, hands-on alignment, and a track record with photonic packaging and PICs. Competitive compensation includes bonus, equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in Optical System Design or Photonics
• Hands-on experience with optical alignment and coupling

Responsibilities

• Lead optical design and packaging for next-gen photonic devices
• Coordinate optical alignment, coupling, and testing across teams
• Prototype, validate, and transfer designs to manufacturing
• Perform DFM, yield analysis, and reliability assessments

Skills

Optical design

Optical alignment

Photonic packaging

Cross-functional collaboration

Simulation (Zemax)

Education

Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering/Photons/Physics

Tools

Zemax

Job description

Optical Systems | Silicon Photonics | Photonic Packaging

A growing photonics technology company is looking for an Optical System Design Lead to drive the development of advanced optical coupling and packaging solutions for next-generation photonic devices.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role covering optical design, alignment, coupling and packaging, taking concepts through prototyping, validation and manufacturing.

You'll be working across:

• Fiber-to-chip & free-space optical coupling
• Optical system design & simulation using Zemax
• Active/passive optical alignment & precision bonding
• Photonic packaging with a focus on optical stability
• PIC integration & optical interface optimisation
• Prototyping, testing & validation
• Insertion loss, alignment tolerance & reliability
• DFM, yield analysis & Monte Carlo analysis
• Cross-functional work with mechanical, electrical & manufacturing teams

Looking for:

• 7+ years' experience in Optical System Design / Photonics
• Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics or related field
• Hands-on experience with optical alignment and coupling
• Experience with photonic packaging and PICs
• Strong understanding of active/passive alignment and precision bonding
• Experience with advanced packaging techniques such as laser welding, epoxy bonding or hermetic sealing
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Salary: $190K–$240K + Bonus + Equity + Benefits