Senior Photonics Hardware Engineer – High-Speed & Hybrid

OpenLight; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ISOs

401k matching

Unlimited vacation

Spot bonuses

Job summary

OpenLight Photonics is seeking a Senior Hardware Development Engineer in a hybrid San Francisco setting to lead evaluation hardware programs, model high‑speed RF and optical links, and characterize PICs and photonic components. You will build test stations, automate tests, and debug firmware while collaborating with partners and customers.

The role requires an advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or Photonics, hands-on lab work with photonic/optical systems, and strong communication to demo

Qualifications

• Experience in design, test, and debug of photonic and high-speed systems.
• Experience with high-speed photonic driver/TIA interfaces.
• Hands-on experience with optical and high-speed test equipment.
• Ability to read a schematic and debug PCBs.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs to architect and define new evaluation hardware and coordinate with external suppliers.
• RF modeling of small and large-signal performance of high-speed components on PCBs and substrates.
• Characterize photonic components and PICs; build test stations and develop test code.
• Build and support technology demonstrations on-site and at conferences, communicating with customers.
• Engage with team members and customers, including generating customer-facing documentation.

Skills

Lab testing

Photonics

High-speed RF

Python

PCB debugging

Schematic reading

Transceivers

Lidar

Firmware debugging

Team collaboration

Education

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or Photonics

Tools

Keysight ADS

RF test equipment

Job description

OpenLight Photonics is seeking a Senior Hardware Development Engineer in a hybrid San Francisco setting to lead evaluation hardware programs, model high‑speed RF and optical links, and characterize PICs and photonic components. You will build test stations, automate tests, and debug firmware while collaborating with partners and customers.

The role requires an advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or Photonics, hands-on lab work with photonic/optical systems, and strong communication to demo