Laser Development Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Work Setting: Onsite – Fremont, CA

Compensation: $170,000–$210,000 base salary

Bonus: 16% target annual bonus

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401(k), RSU eligibility, relocation assistance, paid time off, and comprehensive employee benefits package

Work Authorization: Qualified candidates requiring a TN-1 visa or H-1B transfer are encouraged to apply. New H-1B sponsorship is not available for this opportunity.

Position Summary

A global leader in advanced photonics and optical communications is seeking a Senior Manager, Laser Development to lead the development of next-generation InP semiconductor laser technologies supporting AI optical networking, silicon photonics, and high-speed data communications.

This is a highly visible technical leadership role responsible for driving semiconductor laser product development from concept through qualification and production. Working alongside world-class engineering teams, you will provide strategic technical direction across device design, epitaxy, wafer fabrication, characterization, reliability, and manufacturing while helping shape the future technology roadmap.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished semiconductor laser expert with deep InP device knowledge, a proven record of leading complex product development programs, and a passion for mentoring engineers while delivering innovative products to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of next-generation InP semiconductor laser products from concept through production release

• Provide technical leadership for laser architecture, device design, modeling, and performance optimization

• Direct cross-functional development efforts involving epitaxy, wafer fabrication, characterization, reliability, assembly, and manufacturing

• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, foundries, and internal engineering teams to translate product requirements into innovative solutions

• Drive multiple development programs while balancing technical risk, project schedules, and business priorities

• Mentor engineers and foster technical excellence across multidisciplinary development teams

• Support technology roadmap development, strategic planning, and future product innovation

• Influence manufacturing readiness, product qualification, yield improvement, and continuous process optimization

Required Qualifications

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline (Ph.D. preferred)

• 15+ years of semiconductor laser development experience, with 20+ years preferred

• Deep expertise in InP semiconductor laser physics and device design

• Proven success leading semiconductor laser products from concept through production

• Strong understanding of laser simulation, epitaxy, wafer fabrication, characterization, reliability, and manufacturing

• Demonstrated technical leadership across complex cross-functional engineering programs

• Strong customer-facing communication skills with the ability to influence technical and executive stakeholders

• Experience making technical decisions and driving execution in fast-paced development environments

Preferred Backgrounds

• Leadership experience building or mentoring high-performing engineering teams

• Publications or patents related to semiconductor laser technology

• Experience with DFB lasers, silicon photonics, and optical communications products

• Experience with device modeling and simulation tools such as Ansys, Crosslight, FIMMWAVE, Lumerical, or similar platforms

• Background supporting hyperscale networking, AI infrastructure, or advanced photonic technologies

• Experience collaborating with global engineering organizations and manufacturing partners

Why This Opportunity

• Lead the development of next-generation semiconductor laser technologies powering AI infrastructure and optical networking

• Join one of the industry's premier InP laser development organizations with a history of breakthrough innovations

• Play a key role in defining future product strategy and technology roadmaps

• Work alongside world-class experts in photonics, semiconductor devices, and optical communications

• Opportunity to mentor engineers and help build future technical leadership within the organization

• High-impact role with significant visibility across engineering leadership, customers, and executive management

• Competitive compensation package including annual bonus, RSU eligibility, relocation assistance, and comprehensive benefits