Optoelectronics Engineer

viaPhoton; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with a 4% match

Flexible PTO that grows over time

10 paid holidays

Job summary

viaPhoton, based in Naperville, Illinois, is seeking a hands-on product leader for their new Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) line. This role involves guiding the product family from technology selection through to production while partnering with a team to deliver innovative optical solutions.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in high-speed optical module development, a BS in a relevant field, and strong skills in silicon photonics. The company offers comprehensive benefits including health coverage starting on day one and a competitive salary between $80,000 to $150,000.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience developing high-speed optical modules.
• Strong understanding of silicon photonics and semiconductor physics.
• Comfortable with optical-electronic integration.

Responsibilities

• Guide the Co-Packaged Optics product family from selection to production.
• Assess optical engine technology and build sourcing partnerships.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team on optical devices.

Skills

High-speed optical module development

Understanding of silicon photonics

Use of EDA and optical simulation tools

Education

BS in Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Job description

We are changing the norm by being customer-focused, technology‑led. viaPhoton is reimagining fiber optic manufacturing for the AI era. We design and deliver custom‑engineered, end‑to‑end fiber connectivity solutions for the data centers, 5G networks, and AI infrastructure shaping the next decade, and our customers need them in weeks, not months. In five years we've grown to a team of 200+ and 4x'd our revenue in the last year alone, and we're just getting started. We're looking for people who want to do their best work with a team that's moving fast.

About the Role

You’ll shape viaPhoton's new Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) product family, guiding it from technology selection and architecture all the way through to production. This is hands‑on work at the cutting edge of optical technology, extending our footprint deeper into AI data centers and factories. You’ll partner closely with a cross‑functional team to turn next‑generation optical solutions into products we can ship.

• Guide the Co-Packaged Optics product family from technology selection and architecture through development, integration, and productization
• Assess the optical engine technology and vendor ecosystem to build effective technologies and sourcing partnerships for CPO products
• Guide Optical Module development from concept through to production; use optical and electrical modeling and simulation software to design electro‑optical devices and data paths
• Collaborate across a cross‑functional team of digital and analog circuit designers, signal and power integrity experts, substrate layout, and system design members

Qualifications

• A BS in Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience developing high‑speed optical modules
• A background in high‑speed optical devices such as lasers, detectors, modulators, and integrated optical components
• Strong understanding of silicon photonics, semiconductor physics, and optical component design, fabrication, and test
• Comfortable with EDA and optical simulation tools, 2.5D/3D optical‑electronic integration, and higher‑order PAM transmission formats

Benefits

• Robust health, dental, and vision coverage that starts on day 1
• 401(k) with 4% match, vests immediately after a 90‑day waiting period
• Flexible PTO that grows over time
• 10 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays

Compensation

Base salary $80,000 to $150,000, plus annual bonus.

We are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion. We reinforce this through our core values and beliefs as well as our processes and strategic goals. We remind team members to seek various viewpoints, learn and be hungry with curiosity, and gain trust.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit and qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, health condition, genetic information, marital or family status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic background, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations and adjustments throughout the hiring process. If you need one, please let us know. Any personal data you share with us is handled confidentially and in line with applicable data protection law.