Sr. Hardware Engineer - Optoelectronic Platforms

Irving Knight Group; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Irving Knight Group in San Diego, CA seeks a Sr. Hardware Engineer with deep experience in high-speed optoelectronic platforms. You will lead design, analysis and development across optical transceivers and high-speed circuits, collaborating with a world-class R&D team.

The role emphasizes hands-on bring-up, prototype validation, and ownership from concept to implementation, with strong autonomy in a dynamic, forward-looking environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hardware design in fiber optic and related fields.
• Understanding optical data communication systems and SI impairments, especially 1G NRZ to 100G PAM4.
• Hands-on skills with prototype, bring-up, debug and characterization of electrical/optical systems.
• Familiarity with PCB fabrication and assembly processes to work with fabricators and SMT issues.
• Knowledge of optical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical design interactions for transceivers.

Responsibilities

• Design high-speed and high-precision electronics with power and RF integrity considerations.
• Drive design, analysis, and development of fiber-optic transceivers and related hardware.
• Hands-on involvement in R&D and new product development activities.
• Own technical aspects from concept through implementation with autonomy.
• Collaborate with a skilled engineering team on advanced technologies.

Skills

High-speed hardware design

Fiber-optic communication

RF signal integrity

Power integrity

Prototype bring-up

Optoelectronic platforms

Collaboration across R&D

Education

BS Electrical Engineering

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

PCB fabrication knowledge

Job description

Job Title: Sr. Hardware Engineer - High-Speed Optoelectronic Platforms

Irving Knight are partnered with a global manufacturer of high-tech electronic interconnect solutions looking to add an experienced Hardware Engineer with expertise in high-speed optoelectronic platforms to join their team in San Diego.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design high-speed and high-precision electronics applying power integrity and RF signal integrity principles and simulation techniques
• Drive the design, analysis, and development of advanced fiber-optic transceivers and supporting hardware, working across optoelectronics, high-speed circuits, and system-level design in a collaborative R&D environment
• Hands-on involvement in R&D and new product development
• High-impact technical ownership influencing product performance and innovation
• Strong autonomy from concept through implementation
• Collaboration with a skilled, forward-thinking engineering team
• Exposure to advanced technologies shaping next-generation design

Key Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in hardware design, fiber optic communication, and related fields
• Understanding of fundamental optical data communication systems principles and optical signal integrity impairments, particularly in multi-mode fiber-optic systems. Familiarity with optical communication standards, 1G NRZ to 100G PAM4
• Experience with a broad range of DC/RF/Optical test and measurement techniques and equipment with hands-on skills needed to prototype, bring-up, debug, and characterize electrical/optical systems
• Understanding of PCB fabrication and assembly technologies. Experience working with PCB fabricators and assemblers to define layer stack-ups, converge DFM reviews, and resolve SMT assembly issues
• Familiarity with the interplay of optical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical considerations in the design of optical transceivers
• BS in Electrical Engineering, MS or Ph.D. preferred