Senior Free-Space Optics Engineer: Test & Modeling

Ayar Labs, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

Ayar Labs, Inc. in San Jose, CA is seeking an Optical Engineer to lead optical test, characterization, and modeling for free-space optical systems in next‑generation modules. This hands-on role owns measurement strategy and drives modeling to predict and correlate system performance.

You will bridge design and production readiness across optics, fibers, and FAUs. Responsibilities include developing test frameworks, creating simulations to predict coupling and losses, and guiding design

Qualifications

• BS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 2+ years of optical testing, modeling, and system validation.
• Hands-on free-space optical alignment and fiber coupling experience.
• Experience with optical measurement techniques (IL, RL, beam profiling, polarization).

Responsibilities

• Develop optical test and characterization frameworks for free-space optical subsystems, including: Lenses, isolators, and polarization optics, FAUs and fiber coupling interfaces.
• Develop and own optical models and simulations to predict coupling efficiency, loss mechanisms, and alignment tolerances.
• Guide design decisions and test plans.
• Perform deep optical characterization and root-cause analysis.
• Partner with design, laser, and packaging teams to feed test insights back into architecture and tolerancing.
• Define realistic specs and manufacturability limits.
• Drive DFM/DFT for optical systems, including alignment strategies, test coverage, and yield optimization.
• Support NPI builds, bring-up, and production ramp, ensuring robust and scalable test methodologies.

Skills

Optical testing

Optical modeling

Data analysis

System validation

Free-space alignment

Fiber coupling

Education

BS in Optical Engineering

MS or Ph.D.

Tools

Zemax

Code V

Lumerical

Job description

Ayar Labs, Inc. in San Jose, CA is seeking an Optical Engineer to lead optical test, characterization, and modeling for free-space optical systems in next‑generation modules. This hands-on role owns measurement strategy and drives modeling to predict and correlate system performance.

You will bridge design and production readiness across optics, fibers, and FAUs. Responsibilities include developing test frameworks, creating simulations to predict coupling and losses, and guiding design