Senior Optical Validation Engineer, Fiber-to-Chip

Ayar Labs; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Ayar Labs in San Jose is seeking an Optical Validation Engineer to join our Optical Packaging team. You will develop precision optical measurement methods to characterize fiber-to-chip interfaces and validate coupling performance.

You will work with internal engineering teams and suppliers, correlating lab measurements with models to identify sources of excess loss and drive component improvements. The role combines free-space optics, metrology, and optical modeling, requiring hands-on

Qualifications

• BS in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Optical Engineering with 2+ years experience.
• Experience independently developing optical characterization methods for components or packaged devices.
• Strong understanding of Gaussian beam optics, fiber modes, free-space propagation, and fiber-to-chip coupling.
• Hands-on experience in experimental free-space optics.
• Proficiency in Zemax, Code V, or equivalent optical modeling tools for coupling and tolerance analysis.
• Experience designing experiments and analyzing optical data to identify physical root causes.
• Ability to communicate technical findings clearly across engineering disciplines and with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Develop optical characterization setups for fiber arrays, connectors, and micro-optical components.
• Characterize optical components and interfaces to assess performance against design requirements.
• Model optical propagation and coupling to quantify sensitivity to geometry, alignment, and component variation.
• Correlate component, wafer, and package measurements with optical models to identify the physical causes of excess loss.
• Define test structures and measurement requirements for new optical interfaces with photonics and packaging teams.
• Communicate findings and recommend component or assembly changes to internal teams and suppliers.

Skills

Optical characterization

Gaussian beam optics

Fiber-to-chip coupling

Free-space optics

Optical modeling

Cross-functional communication

Education

BS in Optics, Photonics, Physics, or Optical Engineering

Master's or PhD (preferred)

Tools

Zemax

Code V

Job description

Ayar Labs in San Jose is seeking an Optical Validation Engineer to join our Optical Packaging team. You will develop precision optical measurement methods to characterize fiber-to-chip interfaces and validate coupling performance.

You will work with internal engineering teams and suppliers, correlating lab measurements with models to identify sources of excess loss and drive component improvements. The role combines free-space optics, metrology, and optical modeling, requiring hands-on