Principal Laser Controls Architect

Ayar Labs, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Ayar Labs, Inc. in San Jose, CA is seeking a Principal Laser Controls Engineer to define and drive the control architecture for advanced laser-based optical modules.

You will own the technical vision for optical power regulation, current control, thermal stabilization, and wavelength calibration across the product lifecycle. Ideal candidates bring deep expertise in laser physics, control systems, and embedded implementation, with 12–15+ years in laser control and a track record of delivering

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or Controls.
• 12–15+ years of laser systems and control experience.
• Strong expertise in APC/ACC loop design and optimization.
• Deep knowledge of laser behavior: L-I-V characteristics, thermal effects, aging.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the end-to-end laser module control architecture including APC and TEC control.
• Lead design, modeling, and optimization of laser control loops accounting for non-linearities, aging, and environmental variations.
• Architect closed-loop control strategies balancing performance, reliability, and manufacturability across PVT and lifetime.
• Develop and own module embedded laser control firmware: real-time loops, calibration routines, fault detection, protection, and recovery.
• Establish modeling and correlation frameworks linking simulation to silicon and optical performance.

Skills

APC/ACC loop design

Laser behavior (L-I-V)

Feedback control theory

Embedded firmware

Modeling & simulation

Education

MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or Controls

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

Job description

Ayar Labs, Inc. in San Jose, CA is seeking a Principal Laser Controls Engineer to define and drive the control architecture for advanced laser-based optical modules.

You will own the technical vision for optical power regulation, current control, thermal stabilization, and wavelength calibration across the product lifecycle. Ideal candidates bring deep expertise in laser physics, control systems, and embedded implementation, with 12–15+ years in laser control and a track record of delivering