About the role
The ALC architecture team is responsible for ensuring that multiple optical, photonic, electronic, and mechanical components and processes will come together in a working photonic system. This requires working closely with engineers and vendors on component specification, design, simulation, and characterization, performing system level design, simulation, and analysis, and contributing to product strategy, technical roadmap, and customer engagement. We are seeking a Distinguished Photonics Layout Engineer with deep, industry-recognized expertise in high-density optical interconnects to serve as a top technical authority for the organization - setting architectural direction, driving innovation, and representing Credo's technical vision to customers, partners, and the broader industry.
Base salary range is $230,000 - $315,000 a year. The base salary offer will depend on factors such as education, experience, training, skills, qualifications, and location. This position is also eligible for a discretionary bonus, equity and a full range of medical and other benefits.
Why Credo
- Purpose: We invest in what matters. From meaningful-future shaping projects to competitive compensation, we empower you to grow your career while making a lasting impact.
- People: Connection starts within. We collaborate, celebrate wins, and create an environment where everyone can do their best work.
- Possibilities: Our belief shapes what's next. Our technology powers the most reliable and energy-efficient connections around the world - and our team powers new products and markets that come next.
Responsibilities
- Set technical direction and standards for optical emitter, detector, optics, fiber cable/connector, electronics, board, substrate, and software specifications across the organization.
- Partner with team members across the global Credo and supplier ecosystem to advance preferred designs and meet product introduction goals for performance and schedule.
- Lead design, simulation, and experimental analysis of optical interconnect systems, evaluating the system-level impact of component choices and emerging technologies.
- Shape and lead multi-year product strategy and technology roadmap development, partnering directly with senior leadership on high-impact technical bets.
- Serve as a top technical authority and mentor across the engineering organization - providing guidance to junior and senior engineers alike, and acting as a trusted technical resource for senior management, product marketing, and sales.
- Represent Credo externally as a recognized industry expert -through publications, patents, conference participation, and/or standards body engagement (e.g., IEEE, OIF).
- Drive decisions with direct business impact, influencing product competitiveness, cost structure, and time-to-market at a company-wide level.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
- PhD in Engineering, Physics or a related field.
- 18+ years of R&D experience in the optical transceiver and communications industry with a demonstrated track record of industry-recognized technical impact.
- Hands-on technical knowledge of optical interconnect systems and components and experience in bringing optical/semiconductor components together into a system that can be scaled in high-volume manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of RF waveforms, signal formats, circuits, and signal integrity relevant to high-speed optical communication.
- Experience with multimode fiber and parallel optical interconnect products.
- Proficiency with optical raytracing tools such as Zemax or LightTools.
- Proficiency with numerical analysis tools such as MATLAB or Python.
- Demonstrated ability to influence technical direction and culture across teams without formal authority, and to align cross-functional stakeholders around a shared technical vision.
- Strong collaboration, adaptability in dynamic environments, and a customer-focused approach to driving change and delivering results.
- Flexibility with travel to support initial global supply chain.
About Credo
Credo's mission is to transform connectivity at scale through fast, reliable, and energy-efficient system solutions. Our high-speed copper and optical interconnect products deliver industry-leading power and performance at up to 1.6T to meet the ever-expanding data infrastructure demands of AI.
Our product portfolio includes ZeroFlap (ZF) Active Electrical Cables (AECs) and ZF optical transceivers, OmniConnect memory solutions, and a suite of retimers and DSPs for optical and copper Ethernet and PCIe, all leveraging the PILOT diagnostic and analytics software platform. Credo innovations enable our customers to connect the systems that connect the world.
Credo is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email people@credosemi.com. Apply Now