Principal Laser Controls Engineer

Ayar Labs; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 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 end-to-end optical power regulation, current control, thermal stabilization, and wavelength calibration across the full product lifecycle. The role requires deep expertise in laser physics, control systems, and embedded firmware, with responsibility for real-time control loops, factory and in-field calibration, fault

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Controls, or related field.
• 12–15+ years of experience with deep focus on laser systems and control.
• Proven experience implementing calibration algorithms (factory and adaptive/in-field).
• Strong embedded firmware background for real-time control systems.
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation (MATLAB/Python/Simulink or equivalent).
• Track record of driving system-level architecture and influencing cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the end-to-end laser module control architecture.
• Lead the design, modeling, and optimization of laser control loops.
• Architect closed-loop control strategies across PVT and lifetime conditions.
• Develop and own module embedded laser control firmware, including real-time control loops.
• Establish modeling and correlation frameworks linking simulation to silicon and optical performance.

Skills

APC loop design

ACC loop design

Feedback control theory

Real-time embedded firmware

Modeling & simulation

Cross-functional leadership

Education

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Controls, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Simulink

Embedded toolchains

Job description

Position: Principal Engineer, Laser Controls

Location: San Jose, CA

Job Id: 734

# of Openings: 0

Principal Laser Controls Engineer

Role Overview

We are seeking a Principal Laser Controls Engineer to define and drive the control architecture for advanced laser-based optical modules. This role demands deep expertise in laser physics, control systems, and embedded implementation. You will own the technical vision for laser control—spanning optical power regulation, current control, thermal stabilization, and wavelength calibration—ensuring robust, scalable, and production-ready solutions across the full product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the end-to-end laser module control architecture, including:

  • APC (Automatic Power Control) loops for stable optical output

  • ACC (Automatic Current Control) strategies for laser drive optimization

  • Automatic calibration frameworks (power, current, aging compensation, temperature drift)

  • TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler) control for wavelength and thermal stability

• Lead the design, modeling, and optimization of laser control loops, accounting for:

  • Laser non-linearities (L-I curves, threshold behavior)

  • Aging, degradation, and environmental variations

  • Noise, stability margins, and transient performance

• Architect closed-loop control strategies that balance performance, reliability, and manufacturability across PVT and lifetime conditions

• Develop and own module embedded laser control firmware, including:

  • Real-time control loops

  • Calibration routines (factory + in-field)

  • Fault detection, protection, and recovery mechanisms

• Establish modeling and correlation frameworks linking simulation to silicon and optical performance

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Controls, or related field

• ~12–15+ years of experience with deep focus on laser systems and control

• Strong expertise in:

  • APC/ACC loop design and optimization

  • Laser behavior (L-I-V characteristics, thermal effects, degradation mechanisms)

  • Feedback control theory and real-world implementation

• Proven experience implementing calibration algorithms (factory and adaptive/in-field)

• Strong embedded firmware background for real-time control systems

• Proficiency in modeling and simulation (MATLAB/Python/Simulink or equivalent), with demonstrated correlation to hardware

• Track record of driving system-level architecture and influencing cross-functional teams

Nice to Have

• Experience with pluggable optical modules and CMIS

• Familiarity with high-speed optical links, SerDes

• Experience with reliability engineering (lifetime drift, burn-in, field performance)

• Exposure to high-volume manufacturing, yield optimization, and test infrastructure

Why Join Us

• Define the control and calibration backbone of next-generation laser products

• High ownership across laser physics, control algorithms, and system integration

• Opportunity to shape product direction in a fast-paced, execution-driven environment