| Location | San Jose, CA |
| Salary | $224,000–$280,000 Per Year |
Principal Laser Controls Engineer
Location: San Jose (on-site)
Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light instead of electricity to move data faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy needed to fuel the explosive growth of AI models.
Backed by industry giants like NVIDIA, AMD and Intel and manufactured in partnership with the world's leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs' co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures.
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.
Essential Functions
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
Required Qualifications
BS 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
Preferred Qualifications
Salary Range: $224,000 to $280,000
NOTE TO RECRUITERS:
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don't send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.