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Staff /Sr Staff Laser Module & Systems Characterization Engineer

Pay: $187,000 – $240,000 per year
Location: Mountain View, CA · Hybrid
Job type: Full-time
Level: Lead / Staff
Experience: 8+ years
Listed: 30 days ago

Skills & highlights for this role

DFB lasers
optical spectrum analyzers
lightwave component analyzers
Python
MATLAB

Also useful

statistical process control
gauge R&R
JMP
DWDM

Stated benefits & perks

Health
Dental
Vision
Equity

Responsibilities

Lead optical performance optimization (OPO) and initial bring-up for Guide ™ Laser modules; define and execute bring-up sequences from unpowered to full operating condition.
Develop and own the bringup-to-eVT hand-off package: measurement summary, pass/fail criteria, and known-good reference data.
Own characterization campaigns involving Guide and Passage based optical links, including end-to-end link validation, channel optimization, and margin verification through the lens of Laser/Guide systems. Identify and operate to resolve link-level anomalies; close the loop with module-level root-cause analysis.
Develop structured manufacturing and characterization test plans aligned to photonics-control specs; define measurement protocols, calibration sequences, and acceptance criteria. Collaborate with control engineers to ensure test plan data supports algorithm validation and production deployment.
Write and maintain Python or MATLAB measurement automation scripts for optical, electrical, and thermal test sequences; build data pipelines to surface yield signatures and process trends.
Author clear characterization reports capturing methodology, results, and recommendations; communicate findings to cross-functional stakeholders.
Partner with the team on laser-safety interlock validation and controller characterization flows.
Interface with production on test plan deployment, NPI transitions, and manufacturing scale-up.
Experience with high-speed and optical link characterization methodologies is a plus.

Required Qualifications

BS + 8 years, MS + 6 years, or PhD + 3 years in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, or a closely related field.
Hands-on experience characterizing laser modules (DFB lasers, optical amplifiers, and other coherent sources) in a research or NPI environment with experience with DWDM optical link bring-up and validation as a plus.
Proficiency with core photonics lab equipment: optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), optical power meters, lightwave component analyzers (LCA), high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, and signal generators.
Experience building or executing structured test plans for optical or electro-optic assemblies - from test design through data delivery.
Proficiency with Python or MATLAB scripting for measurement automation and statistical data analysis.
Strong written communication skills; able to produce thorough, well-organized characterization reports.
Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), gauge R&R, or JMP for production yield analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with laser module NPI, EVT, or manufacturing bring-up workflows; familiarity with hand-off packages to production.
Background in TEC/thermal control loops, laser safety interlock systems, or photonics control-style calibration flows.
Exposure to silicon photonics-III-V heterogeneous integration (bonded DFB sources, SOA, or hybrid photonic packages).
Familiarity with optical link budgets and system-level characterization; experience operating multi-channel photonic integration platforms.

Pay and benefits

We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.

Salary Range

total compensation goes beyond base salary, it also includes a new hire equity grant, annual performance-based equity, and other rewards that recognize your impact and contribution.

$187,000—$240,000 USD

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Savings Matching Program
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Paid Family Leave
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Training & Development
Commuter Benefits
Flexible, hybrid workplace model
Equity grants (applicable to full-time employees)

Export Control

Candidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.

About Lightmatter

Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world's first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.

Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!

If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.

Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!

We are looking for a Laser Characterization Engineer to join our Laser team. You will be the hands-on technical owner for bring-up, characterization, and validation of Lightmatter's laser modules and photonic systems - taking products from first-light through manufacturing qualification and production hand-off.

You will work closely with controls engineers, photonics engineers, and the production team to translate module performance specifications into reproducible, manufacturable results. This is an individual-contributor role with direct ownership of test plan development, characterization, bring-up and validation execution, and the data that drives module specifications.

This role requires strong laboratory experience in integrated photonics and fiber optics, as well as expertise in photonics and electronics testing, and data analysis. Analytical skills, problem-solving, and the ability to clearly communicate and document your findings are essential.

Equal opportunity and legal notices

Benefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status and location. Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Read the original posting

From Lightmatter's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 10, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Staff /Sr Staff Laser Module & Systems Characterization Engineer role at Lightmatter?

The Staff /Sr Staff Laser Module & Systems Characterization Engineer posting at Lightmatter states compensation of $187,000 – $240,000 per year. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Lightmatter's official career site.

Where is the Staff /Sr Staff Laser Module & Systems Characterization Engineer job at Lightmatter located?

This Staff /Sr Staff Laser Module & Systems Characterization Engineer position at Lightmatter is located in Mountain View, CA (Hybrid). Always check Lightmatter's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.

What qualifications are required for Staff /Sr Staff Laser Module & Systems Characterization Engineer at Lightmatter?

For the Staff /Sr Staff Laser Module & Systems Characterization Engineer role, Lightmatter highlights 8+ years of relevant experience; experience with DFB lasers, optical spectrum analyzers, lightwave component analyzers, Python, MATLAB. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.

How do I apply for the Staff /Sr Staff Laser Module & Systems Characterization Engineer position at Lightmatter?

This listing links directly to Lightmatter's Greenhouse application page. You can apply directly on Lightmatter's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Greenhouse application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.

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