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