Lead Hardware Architect for Optical Transceivers
Coherent
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Fremont, CA · Posted October 5, 2026
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Where Fremont, CA ranks
Where Fremont, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #13Cities with the most hybrid jobs in the West Coast15% · of 66
- #15Best cities for mid-career professionals in the West Coast59% · of 71
- #17Best cities for technology pay after cost of living$181k · of 80
- #17Best cities for pay after cost of living in California$152k · of 32
- #17Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the West Coast226 openings · of 60
- #18Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the West Coast51 / 100 · of 39
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among computer hardware engineers, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for computer hardware engineers: 15% (some).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
About the job
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
•Lead the design of PAM4 optical transceivers for datacenter, AI/ML, HPC applications from concept to high-volume production ready • Define and implement the electrical/optical architecture of pluggable/co-packaged optical transceivers meeting customers’ requirements • Work cross-functionally with FW/SW, OSA (optical sub-assembly), process development, Q&R, program/product management to develop fully compliant optical transceivers •Lead the integration of optical, hardware, FW/SW, and process, including troubleshooting and yield improvement •Create various drawings, BOM and ECO as product design documents •Address/resolve DFM issues •Hold the architecture, EVT, DVT phase reviews to lead the design to NPI stage • Perform RF and link simulations as needed
Education & Experience
•B.S. with typically 3-5 years of related experience, M.S./Ph.D. preferred •Strong knowledge and expertise in high-speed RF design, photonics, and optoelectronics •Expertise on high-speed optoelectronic and RF components – designs, specifications, characterization, performance, and qualification •Solid foundation of understanding: signal/power integrity (SI/PI), system integration of FW/SW and HW with respect to functionality and performance, optomechanical design
Skills
•Excellent communication and presentation skills •Strong analytical problem-solving skills for product design and debug • Hands-on technical background in PAM4 optical transceiver designs – EML, Silicon Photonics, DSP, driver, TIA, PCB/PCBA, electrical and optical packaging • High-density multiple-layer PCB designs •Experience in RF analysis and design using modeling tools such as CST or HFSS •Optical and electrical lab measurement skills, including script-based test automation
Working Conditions
May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
Physical Requirements
Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust
C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com .
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.