Senior Laser Module Architect & Tech Lead, Optics

Xscape Photonics Inc; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Xscape Photonics Inc. in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Senior/Principal Laser Module Tech Lead to own system architecture and end-to-end performance of laser modules for high-speed optical communications.

You will integrate semiconductor lasers, SOAs, silicon PICs, packaging, electronics, firmware, and thermal management into a manufacturable product. As technical lead, you will coordinate across engineering disciplines and with suppliers to deliver modules from concept through production, guiding

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 12–15+ years with demonstrated technical leadership.
• Deep understanding of semiconductor lasers and laser module integration.
• Experience integrating lasers with silicon photonic PICs.
• Strong knowledge of optical packaging, fiber coupling, alignment, and assembly processes.
• Experience with laser control electronics, TEC control, and monitoring photodiodes.
• Familiarity with optical communication systems and module-level performance metrics.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through product development.

Responsibilities

• Own the overall architecture and system performance of laser module products.
• Define module-level requirements, interface specifications, and performance budgets.
• Allocate optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance targets across subsystem owners.
• Lead integration of: Semiconductor lasers, SOAs, Silicon photonic PICs, optical isolators and fiber interfaces, driver electronics, firmware, and thermal solutions.
• Define characterization plans for optical power, wavelength, linewidth, SMSR, RIN, polarization, coupling efficiency, and thermal performance.
• Lead system-level debugging and root-cause analysis of optical, electrical, and thermal issues.
• Drive design tradeoffs balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Work with laser, PIC, firmware, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to achieve goals.
• Collaborate with external suppliers on component specs, qualification, and manufacturing readiness.
• Support product qualification, reliability testing, and transfer to volume manufacturing.

Skills

Photonics/Optical Engineering

Technical leadership

Semiconductor lasers integration

Silicon photonics integration

Optical packaging & alignment

Laser control electronics

Fiber coupling & assemblies

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MS or PhD in Photonics/Optical Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Physics

Tools

Optical characterization equipment

Reliability testing equipment

Job description

Xscape Photonics Inc. in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Senior/Principal Laser Module Tech Lead to own system architecture and end-to-end performance of laser modules for high-speed optical communications.

You will integrate semiconductor lasers, SOAs, silicon PICs, packaging, electronics, firmware, and thermal management into a manufacturable product. As technical lead, you will coordinate across engineering disciplines and with suppliers to deliver modules from concept through production, guiding