Principal Laser Controls Engineer
Ayar Labs
San Jose, CA · Posted October 22, 2026
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About the job
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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