Principal Laser Controls Engineer

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

ACC (Automatic Current Control) strategies for laser drive optimization

Automatic calibration frameworks (power, current, aging compensation, temperature drift)

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

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