Sr. Staff/Staff Engineer, Optical Validation & Test

MediaTek; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 256,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Job summary

MediaTek is seeking a Sr. Staff/Staff Engineer, Optical Validation & Test Lead in Irvine/San Jose to drive validation for next‑gen fiber optic transceivers and optical engines for AI infrastructure.

You will build scalable test frameworks and lead hands-on execution through EVT, DVT, and reliability support. In this role you will collaborate with design, systems, hardware, firmware, manufacturing, and reliability teams to ensure robust performance, fast debugging, and high-quality execution from

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of relevant industry experience for Sr. Staff level.
• Hands-on validation and test experience for fiber optic transceivers or high-speed optical interconnects.
• Experience leading validation through EVT, DVT, and reliability support.
• Proficiency in Python and/or LabVIEW/MATLAB/C#/C/C++ for automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead validation execution for fiber optic transceivers and optical engines used in AI and data center systems.
• Build and scale reusable optical test frameworks, automation software, and data analysis tools across multiple teams.
• Define and execute EVT and DVT plans, including characterization, regression, debug, and reporting.
• Support the reliability team with pre-/post-stress characterization, qualification support, and failure analysis.
• Validate key optical and link metrics such as Tx/Rx performance, BER, eye quality, jitter, TDECQ, sensitivity, optical power, wavelength behavior, and thermal stability.
• Drive root-cause analysis across optics, high-speed electrical interfaces, firmware, and test infrastructure.
• Improve design-for-test, measurement quality, and validation efficiency across programs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship across validation and test engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Debugging

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MS/PhD in Optical Eng or related field

Tools

Python

LabVIEW

MATLAB

C/C++

C#

Job description

We are seeking a Sr. Staff/Staff Engineer, Optical Validation & Test Lead to drive validation for next-generation fiber optic transceivers and optical engines for AI infrastructure. In this role, you will build a scalable optical test framework used across teams, and lead hands-on execution through EVT, DVT, and reliability support. You will work closely with design, systems, hardware, firmware, manufacturing, and reliability teams to ensure robust product performance, fast debug, and high-quality execution from development through qualification.

The position is open for Irvine, CA, and San Jose, CA

Responsibilities

• Lead validation execution for fiber optic transceivers and optical engines used in AI and data center systems
• Build and scale reusable optical test frameworks, automation software, and data analysis tools across multiple teams
• Define and execute EVT and DVT plans, including characterization, regression, debug, and reporting
• Support the reliability team with pre-/post-stress characterization, qualification support, and failure analysis
• Validate key optical and link metrics such as Tx/Rx performance, BER, eye quality, jitter, TDECQ, sensitivity, optical power, wavelength behavior, and thermal stability
• Drive root-cause analysis across optics, high-speed electrical interfaces, firmware, and test infrastructure
• Improve design-for-test, measurement quality, and validation efficiency across programs
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship across validation and test engineering

Main Requirements and Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Sr. Staff level: 6+ years of relevant industry experience
• Strong hands-on experience in optical module validation and test for fiber optic transceivers, optical engines, or high-speed optical interconnects
• Strong background in test software development, lab automation, and scalable test architecture
• Experience leading validation through EVT, DVT, and reliability support
• Proficiency in Python and/or similar automation environments such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, or C#/C/C++.
• Strong working knowledge of optical and high-speed lab instrumentation and measurement methods
• Strong cross-functional leadership, debug, and problem-solving skills
• Preferred Experience
• 800G / 1.6T optical transceivers or next-generation AI interconnects
• PAM4 links, DSP-based optical modules, silicon photonics, or integrated optical engines
• CMIS/MSA or related optical module ecosystems
• Correlation between development validation and manufacturing or qualification test

Salary range: $157,000- $256,000

• Employee may be eligible for performance bonus, short and long term incentive programs. Actual total compensation will be dependent upon the individual's skills, experience and qualifications. In addition, MediaTek provides a variety of benefits including comprehensive health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays, Sick Leave, Vacation time, Parental leave, 401K and more.
• MediaTek is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.