Principal Optical System Engineer

Lumentum Operations LLC; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Principal Optical System Engineer to join their Cloud Module R&D team in San Jose. This role involves designing advanced optical systems for next-generation fiber optic transceivers, collaborating with cross-functional teams to create high-performance optical subsystems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in optical engineering, hands-on experience with optical design, and a passion for cutting-edge technology. Join a company that values diversity and innovation, and contribute to impactful projects that shape the future of optical networking.

Qualifications

• Experience in optical system design and simulation.
• Strong foundation in optics principles and fiber optics.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced optical systems for fiber optic transceivers.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate optical components.

Skills

Optical System Design

Optical Simulation Software

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Education

MS in Optical Engineering

PhD in Physics

Tools

ZEMAX

FRED

Lumerical

Code V

Job description

Principal Optical System Engineer page is loaded

Principal Optical System Engineer

Apply locations USA - CA - San Jose (1751 Fox) time type Full time posted on Posted 2 Days Ago job requisition id 2025452

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Principal Optical System Engineer – Cloud Module R&D

Location: San Jose, CA, USA
Company: Lumentum

About the Role

Lumentum is seeking an experienced Principal Optical System Engineer to join our Cloud Module R&D team in San Jose, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for designing and developing advanced optical systems and packaging for next-generation fiber optic transceivers. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and optical communication system engineers, to create high-performance optical subsystems that meet stringent technical, environmental, and manufacturability requirements.

A successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in optics principles, hands-on experience in optical system design, and a collaborative, problem-solving mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and design optical systems and components to meet performance criteria using simulation tools such as ZEMAX, FRED, Lumerical, etc.
• Collaborate with suppliers to source cost-effective, high-quality optical components for high-volume production.
• Integrate optical components into mechanical and electronic systems alongside mechanical and electrical engineers for products such as chip-on-board optical transceivers and co-packaged optics.
• Conduct testing and validation to ensure optical systems meet required specifications, performance targets, and reliability standards.

Required Skills & Experience

• MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience of developing various transceivers with market success is ideal
• Strong background in optical system design, including experience with optical simulation software (e.g., ZEMAX, Code V, FRED).
• Proficiency in optical principles and their application to fiber optical communication systems.
• Experience in silicon photonics-based products and applications is a plus.
• Track record of innovation with a multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and technical documentation.
• Self-motivated, results-driven team player with a passion for cutting-edge technology.

Note: Candidates who are highly motivated and have a strong technical foundation are encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet all the listed qualifications.

Pay Range:

P70-USA-1 :$124,600.00 - $178,000.00

Disclaimer:

Final base salary for the successful candidate will depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job location, where work will be performed, qualifications, work history and relevant experience. With our continual goal of making Lumentum a best place to work for our employees, we strive to offer employees competitive total compensation packages, which may include annual bonus, commission for certain sales roles, equity, and health and welfare benefits.

About Us

It’s an exciting time to join Lumentum! Lumentum (NASDAQ: LITE) is a market-leading manufacturer of innovative optical and photonic products enabling optical networking and commercial laser customers worldwide. Lumentum’s optical components and subsystems are part of virtually every type of telecom, enterprise, and data center network. Lumentum’s commercial lasers enable advanced manufacturing techniques and diverse applications including next-generation 3D sensing capabilities. Lumentum is headquartered in San Jose, California with R&D, manufacturing, and sales offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.lumentum.com .

We believe Lumentum is a great place to work and we support a diverse and inclusive culture where employees bring their whole and authentic selves to work. We strive to build meaningful connections that fuel innovation to produce products that impact the world. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving customers throughout our global communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

All offers of employment are subject to background checks, appropriate work authorizations, and depending on the country, drug screens may be required prior to the start date.

As a global employer, Lumentum is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. Protected categories differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but may include race, ethnic origin, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or veteran status.