Senior Hardware Engineer

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The Senior Hardware Engineer, Optical Module R&D, will play a hands-on role in supporting the development and optimization of next-generation optical transceiver modules. This position will begin with switch-level testing support on optical modules, ensuring performance, reliability, and alignment to engineering specifications. The Sr engineer will also contribute to mass-production activities by analyzing production data, identifying yield issues, and supporting cross-functional efforts to drive continuous improvement.

This role offers a strong career path within the optical transceiver design team, providing exposure to advanced hardware design, signal integrity, optical/electrical characterization, and full product lifecycle development. It is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to grow into a hardware design engineer within a cutting-edge R&D environment.

Job Description

Hardware Engineer, Optical Module R&D – San Jose, US

Our Cloud and Networking Optical Module R&D team is a global group of experts dedicated to designing, developing, and delivering next-generation optical transceivers and related technologies. We emphasize high performance, cost effectiveness, and energy efficiency to power cutting-edge telecom and data center applications.

We are seeking a motivated Sr Hardware Engineer to join our Optical Module R&D team. In this role, you will support the development, testing, and continuous improvement of next-generation optical transceiver modules. This position is ideal for candidates looking to begin a long-term career in optical hardware design and who are eager to learn from experienced engineers in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Switch-Level Testing:
  Perform switch-level testing and validation of optical modules to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance with engineering specifications.
• Module Characterization & Debug:
  Assist with electrical and optical measurements, data analysis, and troubleshooting to support module bring-up and feature validation.
• Mass Production Yield Improvement:
  Analyze production data, identify trends affecting yield, and collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to drive continuous improvement.
• Test Infrastructure Support:
  Maintain and improve lab test setups, automation scripts, and documentation to increase efficiency and accuracy in module testing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  Work closely with electrical, optical, firmware, and manufacturing teams to support product development throughout the lifecycle.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  Prepare clear documentation of test procedures, results, and recommendations for design and process improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education:
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
  • Familiarity with test equipment (oscilloscopes, VNAs, power meters, etc.)
  • Foundational understanding of electronics, circuits, and basic optical concepts
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a lab environment
  • Familiarity with test equipment (oscilloscopes, VNAs, power meters, etc.)
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with optical transceivers, high-speed hardware, or signal integrity concepts
  • Basic scripting or automation skills (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
  • Prior internship or project experience in hardware, optics, or communications systems

Pay Range:

Disclaimer:

Final base salary for the successful candidate will depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job location, where work will be performed, qualifications, work history and relevant experience. With our continual goal of making Lumentum a best place to work for our employees, we strive to offer employees competitive total compensation packages, which may include annual bonus, commission for certain sales roles, equity, and health and welfare benefits.