Sr. Engineer, Link Architecture

Ayar Labs • San Jose, CA

2d • $165,000 - $220,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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, Ayar Labs’ co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures.

We are seeking a highly motivated Link Architecture Engineer to join our Link Design team and play a pivotal role in shaping our silicon photonics optical I/O platform. In this role, you contribute to the end-to-end architectural vision by developing advanced models and designs that unify electrical circuits and photonic devices. By capturing the complex interplay of signal processing and physical behavior, you will optimize the performance of Ayar Labs’ CPO solution and define the specifications for our next-generation product roadmaps.

Requirements

• PhD in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering or a Master’s degree with 2+ years of industry experience and a strong background in electrical engineering and optical signal processing
• Knowledge of photonics, electrical engineering, or high-speed link design.
• Comprehensive understanding of high-speed electrical and/or optical links, including signal integrity and transceiver principles.
• Strong proficiency in Python for scientific computing and data analysis.
• Prior experience in the design and simulation of PIC components or large-scale integrated optical systems.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex technical concepts and a proven ability to thrive in collaborative team environments.

Nice To Haves

• In-depth knowledge of silicon photonic devices, and optical test/measurement methodologies.
• Deep background in signal processing principles and optical test/measurement methodologies.
• Proficiency in behavioral modeling using Verilog-A and knowledge of mixed-signal simulation methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity Python and Verilog-A models for photonic and electrical blocks to capture end-to-end signal processing and physical behavior.
• Evaluate future product solution spaces and define precise component-level specifications through rigorous link modeling studies.
• Identify key device performance metrics and translate hardware variability into its impact on total link budget and manufacturing yield.
• Partner with Photonic and AMS teams to refine optical I/O architectures, ensuring seamless integration across electrical and optical domains.
• Critically evaluate internal and external test data to calibrate models and drive meaningful design improvements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree