Senior Optical Hardware Engineer

Credo; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Equity

Medical benefits

Job summary

Credo seeks a Senior Optical Hardware Engineer to join the Zero Flap optical module development team at our San Jose headquarters. You’ll validate and debug optical modules operating at 212.5 Gbps (PAM4) and beyond, applying your expertise in signal and power integrity to ensure readiness for high-volume production.

You’ll partner with cross-functional teams to advance Credo’s Zero Flap products from prototype through mass manufacturing—playing a critical role in shaping the next generation of

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in electrical engineering or optoelectronics.
• Familiarity with optical modules standards (IEEE, QSFP-DD, OSFP, CMIS).
• Proficiency with PCB design and analysis tools.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed optical/electrical test equipment.
• Experience with optical alignment and manufacturing-floor equipment.
• Strong data analysis and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review PCB-level requirements with cross-functional teams to ensure SI/PI readiness.
• Perform PCB bring-up, debugging, and characterization with high-speed test equipment.
• Analyze SI/PI simulations and optimize channel performance for 1.6Tbps+ designs.
• Support NPI and mass production, ensuring manufacturability and reliability.
• Coordinate electrical–optical system integration across modules and engines.
• Debug performance issues including modulation errors and eye diagrams.

Skills

High-speed signaling

PCB design

SI/PI analysis

High-speed test

Optical module testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in EE/OPTX/Applied Physics

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Vector Network Analyzers

EDA PCB tools

Job description

About the role

Credo is seeking an Senior Optical Hardware Engineer to join our Zero Flap optical module development team at our San Jose headquarters. In this role, you’ll validate and debug optical modules operating at 212.5 Gbps (PAM4) and beyond, applying your expertise in signal and power integrity to ensure optimal performance and readiness for high-volume production. You’ll partner with cross-functional teams and industry partners to advance Credo’s Zero Flap optical products from prototype through mass manufacturing—playing a critical role in shaping the next generation of high-speed optical interconnects.

Base salary range

is $140,000 – $210,000 a year. The base salary offer will depend on factors such as education, experience, training, skills, qualifications, and location. This position is also eligible for a discretionary bonus, equity and a full range of medical and other benefits.

Why Credo

• Purpose: We invest in what matters. From meaningful-future shaping projects to competitive compensation, we empower you to grow your career while making a lasting impact.
• People: Connection starts within. We collaborate, celebrate wins, and create an environment where everyone can do their best work.
• Possibilities: Our belief shapes what’s next. Our technology powers the most reliable and energy-efficient connections around the world – and our team powers new products and markets that come next.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optoelectronics, Optics, or Applied Physics, with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with industry standards governing optical modules (IEEE, QSFP-DD, OSFP, CMIS).
• Proficiency with PCB design and analysis tools.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed optical and electrical test equipment.
• Familiarity with optical alignment and manufacturing‑floor equipment.
• Strong skills in analyzing alignment data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing PCBs for 800Gbps or 1.6Tbps optical transceiver modules.
• Familiarity with optical component manufacturing technologies and the industry landscape.
• Experience leading and contributing to cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

Module PCB Design & Development (Core Focus)

• Review PCB-level requirements, interfaces, and constraints in collaboration with mechanical, firmware, optical, and manufacturing teams.
• Review PCB layouts, including component placement, stack‑up design, high‑speed routing, controlled impedance paths, and SI/PI‑driven layout strategies.
• Perform PCB bring‑up, debugging, and characterization using oscilloscopes, VNAs, high‑speed scopes, and power analysis tools.
• Review SI/PI simulations and modeling reports, including channel analysis, PDN optimization, and high‑speed data path modeling for 1.6Tbps+ module architectures.
• Support NPI and mass production, ensuring manufacturability, yield, reliability, and DFM compliance.
• Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure production readiness and timely issue resolution.

Optical System Integration

• Coordinate electrical‑optical system integration for high‑speed modules, aligning PCB architecture with optical engine requirements.
• Define electrical interfaces for optical components—drivers, TIAs, DSPs/Coherent ASICs, lasers, and photodiodes—ensuring signal integrity across the full optical chain.
• Collaborate with optical, mechanical, and packaging teams to co‑optimize PCB designs for thermal paths, mechanical constraints, fiber routing, and optical engine placement.
• Support integration of optical subassemblies (ROSAs, TOSAs, Coherent Optical Engines), including connector selection, power delivery, and high‑speed interface routing.
• Debug electrical‑optical performance issues, including modulation errors, link margin problems, thermal drift, eye diagrams, and interface compatibility.
• Develop system‑level test plans validating both electrical and optical performance against industry standards (IEEE, OIF, MSAs).
• Work with optical component suppliers to align mechanical, electrical, and thermal requirements and influence next‑generation platform roadmaps.
• Ensure seamless integration across the full module stack: firmware, DSP/ASIC behavior, power regulation, clocking, and optical performance.

About Credo

Credo’s mission is to transform connectivity at scale through fast, reliable, and energy‑efficient system solutions. Our high‑speed copper and optical interconnect products deliver industry‑leading power and performance at up to 1.6T to meet the ever‑expanding data infrastructure demands of AI.

Our product portfolio includes ZeroFlap (ZF) Active Electrical Cables (AECs) and ZF optical transceivers, OmniConnect memory solutions, and a suite of retimers and DSPs for optical and copper Ethernet and PCIe, all leveraging the PILOT diagnostic and analytics software platform. Credo innovations enable our customers to connect the systems that connect the world.

Credo is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email [e-mail].

Salary

140000 - 210000 USD (yearly)