Sr. Staff Engineer, Optical Link Design

Sr. Staff Engineer, Optical Link Design Location: San Jose, CA (on-site) Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light instead of electricity to move data faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy needed to fuel the explosive growth of AI models.

Backed by industry giants like NVIDIA, AMD, Mediatek and Intel and manufactured in partnership with the world’s leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs’ co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures. Joining our Link Design and Architecture team means you will play a pivotal role in shaping our silicon photonics optical I/O platform.

This team is responsible for ensuring the robustness and performance of the optical links that power our technology. In this role, you will bridge the gap between large-scale data analysis and advanced optical link models to optimize the performance of Ayar Labs' co-packaged optics (CPO) solution.

Essential Functions

Drive rigorous link modeling studies to help evaluate future product solution spaces and define precise component-level specifications. Identify key device performance metrics and translate hardware variability into its impact on total link budget and manufacturing yield. Build accurate system-level models based on component-level data and benchmark these models against measured system-level data.

Work collaboratively with Photonic and AMS teams to ensure seamless integration across electrical and optical domains. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optics/Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field. Demonstrated experience in photonics, electrical engineering, high-speed link design, or processing and analyzing large statistical datasets.

Comprehensive understanding of high-speed electrical and/or optical links, as well as optical physics regarding photonic components. Strong programming proficiency in Python for scientific computing and data analysis. Familiarity with data analysis libraries (e.g., Pandas, Num. Py, Sci. Py) is required. Excellent communication skills to convey complex technical concepts and a proven ability to thrive in collaborative team environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's or Ph.D. in Optics/Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field. Prior experience in the design and simulation of PIC components or large-scale integrated optical systems. Experience with laboratory equipment and free-space/fiber optics for optical characterization. Proficiency in behavioral modeling using Verilog-A and knowledge of mixed-signal simulation methodologies Salary Range: $175,000 - $223,000 NOTE TO RECRUITERS: Principals only.

We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don’t send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers. Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.