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Optical Validation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conductor

Link Validation Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

We're looking for link validation engineers to help with DVT and bringup of the core optical link and PHY. Ideal Background: Ideal candidates for this role should have: * Hands-on experience with the ...

Conductor

Link Validation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We're looking for link validation engineers to help with DVT and bringup of the core optical link and PHY. Ideal Background: Ideal candidates for this role should have: * Hands-on experience with the ...

Conductor

Link Validation Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

We're looking for link validation engineers to help with DVT and bringup of the core optical link and PHY. Ideal Background: Ideal candidates for this role should have: * Hands-on experience with the ...

Tata Technologies

Validation Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Validation Engineer Auburn Hills, MI Southfield, MI Onsite Job Introduction The Validation Engineer ... These components span a wide range of technologies, including analog, digital, optical, color ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Individual contributor engineering position responsible for designing control algorithms for highly-integrated optical devices and implementing optical validation tests for digital coherent optical ...

Dell, Inc.

Validation Engineer

Round Rock, TX · On-site +1

$134K - $184K/yr

Validation Engineer Join us to do the best work of your career and make a profound social impact as ... Fiber optics, and Dell Networking. * Deep understanding of Dell Enterprise server and storage ...

Dell GmbH

Validation Engineer

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

Validation Engineer Join us to do the best work of your career and make a profound social impact as ... Fiber optics, and Dell Networking. * Deep understanding of Dell Enterprise server and storage ...

Lyte

Photonics Validation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Photonics Validation Engineer to join our team. In this role, you ... This position requires hands-on expertise in optical and electro-optic testing, strong ...

Magna

Validation Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

The Validation Engineer is responsible for developing validation test plans and timing schedules to ... These components span a wide range of technologies, including analog, digital, optical, color ...

Magna

Validation Engineer

Southfield, MI

The Validation Engineer is responsible for developing validation test plans and timing schedules to ... These components span a wide range of technologies, including analog, digital, optical, color ...

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Optical Validation Engineer information

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How much do optical validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical validation engineer in the United States is $52.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.42 and $63.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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For Optical Validation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optical Validation Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,152 per year, or $52 per hour.

Optical Validation Engineer, Principal

San Jose, CA • Hybrid

Astera Labs
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Astera Labsexternal

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Optical (EIC/PIC) Validation Engineer at the Principal level to lead the validation, characterization, and qualification of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs) closely integrated with electronic integrated circuits (EICs) multiple optical configurations.

This high-impact role focuses on ensuring the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of next-generation optical engines for high-speed data center, AI/ML, and telecom applications. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in electro-optical testing, system-level validation, and multiple optical integration challenges.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end validation and characterization of Optical Engines integrating EIC and PIC in multiple Silicon Photonic architectures.
  • Develop comprehensive test plans, methodologies, and automation frameworks for optical, electrical, and electro-optical performance metrics (e.g., BER, eye diagrams, insertion loss, extinction ratio, receiver sensitivity, transmitter power).
  • Perform detailed characterization of key building blocks: modulators, photodetectors, lasers, waveguides, couplers, and high-speed EIC/PIC interfaces.
  • Validate co-packaged optics performance including high-speed electrical interfaces (SerDes, UCIe), thermal management, signal integrity, power integrity, and optical coupling efficiency.
  • Design and implement test setups for wafer-level, package-level, and system-level testing, including active alignment, thermal cycling, reliability stress, and environmental qualification.
  • Collaborate closely with PIC Design, EIC Design, Packaging, Test Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to close design-for-test (DfT) and design-for-manufacturability (DfM) gaps.
  • Analyze large datasets from validation runs, perform failure analysis, root cause investigation, and drive corrective actions.
  • Support bring-up and debug of silicon photonics prototypes and optical modules.
  • Define and execute qualification plans per industry standards (Telcordia, GR-468, JEDEC, etc.).
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to intellectual property through patents and technical publications.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or related field.
  • 10+ years (Senior) of hands-on experience in silicon photonics or optical transceiver validation.
  • Strong experience with EIC/PIC co-design validation, multiple Optical Configurations.
  • Expertise in high-speed optical and electrical testing: BER testers, sampling oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, tunable lasers, optical power meters, and automated test equipment.
  • Proficiency with photonic test automation (Python, LabVIEW, or equivalent) and data analysis tools (JMP, MATLAB, Python/Pandas).
  • Deep understanding of optical coupling, thermal effects in 2.5D/3D packaging, and high-speed signal integrity challenges in CPO systems.
  • Familiarity with industry standards for reliability and qualification of photonic components.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct experience validating production-grade silicon photonics modules for hyperscale data centers or AI clusters.
  • Knowledge of advanced packaging technologies (2.5D, 3D stacking, hybrid bonding, interposers).
  • Experience with high-speed SerDes (112G/224G PAM4) and optical I/O chiplets.
  • Track record of shipping high-volume optical products.
  • Publications or patents in silicon photonics or co-packaged optics.

Salary range is $160,000 to $200,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.

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