Laser Module Technical Lead

Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Laser Module Tech Lead to lead the system architecture, integration, and technical execution of advanced laser modules for high-speed optical communication applications. This role will own the end-to-end performance of the laser module, ensuring seamless integration of semiconductor lasers, SOAs, silicon photonic PICs, optical packaging, electronics, firmware, and thermal management into a reliable, manufacturable product.

As the technical lead, you will work across engineering disciplines and with external suppliers to deliver laser modules from concept through production.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the overall architecture and system performance of laser module products.

• Define module-level requirements, interface specifications, and performance budgets.

• Allocate optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance targets across subsystem owners.

• Lead integration of:

• Semiconductor lasers (DFB, DBR, ECL, tunable)

• SOAs

• Silicon photonic PICs

• Optical isolators, filters, and fiber interfaces

• Driver electronics and control circuitry

• Firmware for laser monitoring and control

• Mechanical packaging and thermal solutions

• Define characterization plans for optical power, wavelength, linewidth, SMSR, RIN, polarization, coupling efficiency, and thermal performance.

• Lead system-level debugging and root-cause analysis of optical, electrical, and thermal issues.

• Drive design tradeoffs balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.

• Work closely with laser, PIC, firmware, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to achieve system performance goals.

• Collaborate with external suppliers on component specifications, qualification, and manufacturing readiness.

• Support product qualification, reliability testing, and transfer to volume manufacturing.

Required Skills & Experience:

Required Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Principal Level: 12–15+ years with demonstrated technical leadership.
• Deep understanding of semiconductor lasers and laser module integration.
• Experience integrating lasers with silicon photonic PICs.
• Strong knowledge of optical packaging, fiber coupling, alignment, and assembly processes.
• Experience with laser control electronics, TEC control, and monitoring photodiodes.
• Familiarity with optical communication systems and module-level performance metrics.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through product development.

“Nice to have” Skills & Experience:

Preferred Experience

• External cavity and narrow-linewidth lasers
• High-speed optical transmit engines
• Co-packaged optics
• 400G/800G/1.6T optical modules
• Passive optical alignment and active alignment techniques
• Automated manufacturing and production test development
• Reliability qualification and failure analysis