Senior Photonics Hardware Engineer – High‑Speed Optics & RF

OpenLight Photonics Inc.; Santa Clara, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ISOs

Insurance

401k matching

Unlimited vacation

Spot bonuses

Job summary

OpenLight Photonics is seeking a Senior Hardware Development Engineer, Photonics, to lead hands‑on lab testing of photonic components, PICs, and systems while guiding partners to ensure platform compatibility for communications, lidar, sensing, and more.

The role blends optical, electrical, and high‑speed system integration design and modeling, offering rich opportunities for career growth in a fast‑paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or related field.
• Experience in design, test, and debug of photonic and high‑speed systems, particularly transceivers.
• Strong Python (or similar) programming ability; familiarity with firmware.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs to architect and define new evaluation hardware and guide external suppliers through design, fabrication, assembly, test and delivery.
• RF modeling of small and large‑signal performance of high‑speed components; optical system modeling of noise/nonlinearities on link performance.
• Characterize photonic components and PICs on the OpenLight platform; RF characterization of high‑speed systems; build test stations and develop test code.
• Build and support technology demonstrations on‑site and at conferences with clear customer communication.
• Generate customer‑facing documentation and support customer system integration by providing detailed test results and conclusions.

Skills

Python

Schematics

PCB knowledge

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in EE/Photonics

Tools

Keysight ADS

RF test equipment

Job description

OpenLight Photonics is seeking a Senior Hardware Development Engineer, Photonics, to lead hands‑on lab testing of photonic components, PICs, and systems while guiding partners to ensure platform compatibility for communications, lidar, sensing, and more.

The role blends optical, electrical, and high‑speed system integration design and modeling, offering rich opportunities for career growth in a fast‑paced startup environment.