Optical System Senior Manager

Lumentum; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in San Jose is seeking a senior technical leader to define system architecture for next-generation optical modules and photonic packaging solutions. The role requires over 8 years of relevant experience, hands-on expertise in optical communication systems, and demonstrated leadership in directing complex engineering programs. Candidates should be proficient in MATLAB and Python, among other key engineering tools. This position offers a chance to impact the future of AI networking and hyperscale data centers.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in relevant technical field.
• Proven track record in leading complex engineering projects.
• Deep understanding of high-speed optical modules.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive system architecture for advanced optical modules.
• Lead technical execution across multiple design teams.
• Collaborate with vendors to define system requirements.

Skills

Leadership in cross-functional engineering teams

Hands-on expertise in optical communication systems

System-level analytical skills

Proficiency with MATLAB

Proficiency with Python

Experience in RF modeling and signal integrity

Education

MS/Ph.D. in Engineering, Optics, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

ADS

HFSS

Job description

We are seeking a senior technical leader to define and drive the system architecture for next-generation optical pluggable modules and advanced photonic packaging solutions supporting 1.6T and beyond. This role spans both IMDD and coherent technologies, enabling the next wave of AI networking and hyperscale data center interconnects.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the end-to-end system architecture for advanced optical modules, ensuring scalability, performance, and manufacturability across IMDD and coherent platforms.
• Lead cross-functional technical execution across link modeling, RF and optical design, electronics design, process development, reliability, and performance optimization.
• Partner closely with DSP, PIC, and EIC vendors—as well as customer architecture teams—to define system requirements, align technology roadmaps, and ensure seamless multi-component integration.
• Drive technical trade-off discussions and system-level design decisions that balance performance, cost, power, and manufacturability.
• Provide deep technical leadership across modeling, simulation, hardware bring-up, and validation to ensure best-in‑class system performance.

Skills & Experience

• 8+ yrs of experience with a MS/Ph.D. Engineering, Optics, or related field
• Strong, hands‑on expertise in direct‑detect and coherent optical communication systems, including link budgets, system margin analysis, and network‑level performance considerations.
• Demonstrated leadership in directing cross‑functional engineering teams, setting technical strategy, driving execution, and delivering complex programs on schedule.
• Deep understanding of high‑speed optical module components, including DSPs, drivers, TIAs, lasers, MZMs, EMLs, and photodetectors.
• Exceptional system‑level analytical skills, with the ability to model and quantify the impacts of impairments such as noise, crosstalk, nonlinearity, reflections, and chromatic dispersion.
• Experience with high‑speed hardware development, including RF modeling, signal integrity, design trade‑offs, and process‑technology constraints.
• Proficiency with key engineering tools, including:
• MATLAB, Python – data analysis, algorithm development, system and link simulations
• ADS, HFSS – RF and electromagnetic modeling