Principal Engineer, Laser Controls

Position: Principal Engineer, Laser Controls

Location: San Jose, CA

Job Id: 734

# of Openings: 0

Principal Laser Controls Engineer

Role Overview

We are seeking a Principal Laser Controls Engineer to define and drive the control architecture for advanced laser-based optical modules. This role demands deep expertise in laser physics, control systems, and embedded implementation. You will own the technical vision for laser control-spanning optical power regulation, current control, thermal stabilization, and wavelength calibration-ensuring robust, scalable, and production-ready solutions across the full product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the end-to-end laser module control architecture , including:
• APC (Automatic Power Control) loops for stable optical output
• TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler) control for wavelength and thermal stability
• Lead the design, modeling, and optimization of laser control loops, accounting for:
  • Laser non-linearities (L-I curves, threshold behavior)
  • Aging, degradation, and environmental variations
  • Noise, stability margins, and transient performance
• Architect closed-loop control strategies that balance performance, reliability, and manufacturability across PVT and lifetime conditions
• Develop and own module embedded laser control firmware , including:
  • Real-time control loops
  • Calibration routines (factory + in-field)
  • Fault detection, protection, and recovery mechanisms
• Establish modeling and correlation frameworks linking simulation to silicon and optical performance

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Controls, or related field
• ~12-15+ years of experience with deep focus on laser systems and control
• Strong expertise in:
  • APC/ACC loop design and optimization
  • Laser behavior (L-I-V characteristics, thermal effects, degradation mechanisms)
  • Feedback control theory and real-world implementation
• Proven experience implementing calibration algorithms (factory and adaptive/in-field)
• Strong embedded firmware background for real-time control systems
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation (MATLAB/Python/Simulink or equivalent), with demonstrated correlation to hardware
• Track record of driving system-level architecture and influencing cross-functional teams

Nice to Have

• Experience with pluggable optical modules and CMIS
• Familiarity with high-speed optical links, SerDes
• Experience with reliability engineering (lifetime drift, burn-in, field performance)
• Exposure to high-volume manufacturing, yield optimization, and test infrastructure

Why Join Us

• Define the control and calibration backbone of next-generation laser products
• High ownership across laser physics, control algorithms, and system integration
• Opportunity to shape product direction in a fast-paced, execution-driven environment