Optical Engineer in Santa Clara, California at AEI-CIG

Position Overview

We are seeking an Optical Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of optical transceiver products for high-speed optical communication systems. The candidate will contribute to optical system design, fiber coupling optimization, lens development, optical characterization, and performance validation for next-generation optical communication technologies.

The ideal candidate has strong expertise in optical design tools, optical modeling, and laboratory characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize optical systems for optical transceiver applications

• Develop and optimize fiber coupling solutions for efficient optical power transfer

• Design, analyze, and optimize optical lenses and beam shaping systems

• Perform optical modeling and simulation using Zemax

• Conduct optical tolerance analysis and performance evaluation

• Characterize and validate optical components and optical assemblies

• Perform laboratory optical measurements including:

• Optical power measurement

• Insertion loss

• Return loss

• Coupling efficiency

• Beam quality characterization

• Support optical alignment, packaging, and assembly development

• Troubleshoot optical system performance issues and implement improvements

• Develop technical reports, specifications, and validation procedures

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and manufacturing

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in: Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, or Related technical field

• Experience with optical system design and analysis

• Proficiency in Zemax optical design software

• Knowledge of fiber optics and fiber coupling techniques

• Experience with lens design and optical component development

• Understanding of optical alignment and tolerance analysis

• Experience using optical laboratory equipment and characterization methods

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work effectively in collaborative engineering environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing optical transceiver products

• Familiarity with lasers, photodetectors, collimators, and passive optical components

• Experience with optical packaging and precision alignment

• Programming or data analysis experience (Python or MATLAB preferred)

• Experience with optical simulation and modeling workflows