Sr. Staff/Staff Engineer, Optical Validation & Test

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

401K and more benefits

Health insurance

Job summary

MediaTek Research Lab Inc. in Irvine, CA seeks a Sr. Staff/Staff Engineer to drive optical validation for next-generation fiber optic transceivers and engines for AI/data center systems.

You will build scalable optical test frameworks, lead hands-on EVT/DVT, and coordinate across design, hardware, firmware, and reliability teams. You will lead validation, develop automation, and analyze data to ensure robust performance with Tx/Rx metrics, BER, eye quality, jitter, and thermal stability.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 6+ years in optical validation and test for fiber optic transceivers or related tech.
• Strong hands-on validation, lab automation, and scalable test architecture.
• Experience leading validation through EVT, DVT, and reliability support.

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 teams.
• Define and execute EVT and DVT plans including characterization, regression, debug, and reporting.
• Support reliability with pre-/post-stress characterization and failure analysis.
• Drive root-cause analysis across optics, high-speed interfaces, firmware, and test infrastructure.
• Improve design-for-test and validation efficiency across programs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship across validation and test engineering.

Skills

Python automation

LabVIEW

MATLAB

C/C++

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

Job description

Sr. Staff/Staff Engineer, Optical Validation & Test

Category

Algorithm & Architecture

Location

Irvine, CA

Experience

More than 6 Years Work Expe.

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

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.