Senior Photonic Systems & Applications Engineer

Neara; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Neara is seeking a Senior Photonic Systems & Applications Engineer in Santa Clara, CA. This hybrid, full-time role focuses on hands-on lab testing of photonic components, PICs, and systems, and leads project work with ecosystem partners and customers for platform compatibility in communications, lidar, quantum computing, sensing, and more.

The role requires strong background in optical, electrical, and high‑speed system integration design, modelling, and testing, with excellent communication and

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or related field.
• Relevant experience in design, test, and debug of photonic and high‑speed systems, particularly transceivers, is required.
• Strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative mindset.
• Hands‑on experience with optical and high‑speed test equipment.
• Strong Python (or similar) programming ability. Familiarity with firmware architectures and debug.
• Ability to read a schematic, ability to debug, and general familiarity with printed circuit boards (PCBs).
• Experience in design and test of photonic modules such as transceivers or Lidar modules
• Proficiency with Keysight ADS, and understanding of small and large‑signal modelling of high‑speed communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Optical & High‑Speed Evaluation Hardware Characterisation: Characterise photonic components and PICs fabricated on OpenLight's platform and assess high‑speed systems performance.
• Demonstrations: Build and support technology demonstrations on‑site and at conferences.
• Evaluation Hardware Development: Lead programmes to architect and define new evaluation hardware and oversee design, fabrication, and delivery.
• High‑Speed Modeling: Model small and large‑signal performance of high‑speed components on PCBs/substrates.
• Internal and External Communication: Generate customer‑facing documentation and share findings.
• Customer System Integration Support: Assist customers with integration questions and provide supporting material.

Skills

Python programming

Schematic reading

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Lab testing experience

Education

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or related field

Tools

Keysight ADS

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Senior Photonic Systems & Applications Engineer

Job type: Full Time · Department: Sales · Work type: Hybrid · USD 190,000-270,000 / year

Santa Clara, California, United States

The Role

As a Photonic Systems and Applications Engineer, you will roll up your sleeves for hands‑on lab‑based testing and analysis of photonic components, integrated circuits (PICs), and systems; and also lead projects with our ecosystem partners and customers to ensure compatibility and suitability of the platform for applications in communications, lidar, quantum computing, sensing, and more. This role is certain to stretch your background in optical, electrical, and high‑speed system integration design, modelling, and testing in ways that are sure to contribute to career development.

What You Will Do

• Optical & High-Speed Evaluation Hardware Characterisation: Characterise photonic components and PICs fabricated on OpenLight's integrated photonic platform including lasers, modulators, amplifiers, and other optical components. Characterise high speed photonic systems for bandwidth, large signal eye‑diagram performance, and BER. Work with PCBs and substrates that integrate OpenLight PICs with control and high‑speed electronics including DSPs. Build and develop test stations including equipment procurement, test station automation, and test code development. Debug and enhance existing firmware. Analyse data, summarise findings, and clearly communicate conclusions.

• Demonstrations: Build and support technology demonstrations on‑site and at conferences, communicating clearly and effectively with customers.

• Evaluation Hardware Development: Lead programmes to architect and define new evaluation hardware, and then guide external suppliers through the design, fabrication, assembly, test, and final delivery.

• High‑Speed Modeling: Model small and large‑signal performance of OpenLight high‑speed components when integrated onto PCBs and substrates.

• Internal and External Communication: Engage with team members and customers, including generating customer‑facing documentation.

• Customer System Integration Support: Address customer inquiries and provide detailed and clear documentation of test results and conclusions. Support customer system integration of OpenLight PICs by answering technical questions and supplying supporting documentation.

Your Background Includes

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or related field

• Relevant experience in design, test, and debug of photonic and high‑speed systems, particularly transceivers, is required.

• Strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative mindset.

• Hands‑on experience with optical and high‑speed test equipment.

• Strong Python (or similar) programming ability. Familiarity with firmware architectures and debug.

• Ability to read a schematic, ability to debug, and general familiarity with printed circuit boards (PCBs).

• Experience in design and test of photonic modules such as transceivers or Lidar modules

• Proficiency with Keysight ADS, and understanding of small and large‑signal modelling of high‑speed communication systems.

• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, partners, and customers.

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced startup environment and adapt to evolving priorities.

• Self‑starting and independent but able to collaborate with teams inside and outside the company.

About OpenLight

OpenLight is growing as customer adoption and industry momentum continue to accelerate. The rapid growth of AI and cloud infrastructure is driving unprecedented demand for faster, more energy‑efficient optical connectivity. We are addressing this challenge through a platform approach that simplifies the development of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and accelerates industry adoption.

As part of our team, you will contribute to technologies that enable AI and hyperscale data centres, high‑speed optical communications, advanced sensing applications, next‑generation photonic integration, and more. Our team is collaborative and fast‑moving, and you will have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions across technology, operations, and business growth.

If you are excited about solving challenging problems, advancing cutting‑edge technology, and working with a highly collaborative team, we would love to hear from you.