Lead Design Engineer - Semiconductor Lasers

Job Description

Job Description

Location : Fremont, CA

Work Setting : 100% Onsite R&D and Semiconductor Development Environment

Compensation : $100,625 – $172,250 Base Salary

Bonus : Annual Bonus Opportunity up to 12%

Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Employee Stock Programs, Paid Time Off, and Comprehensive Benefits Package

Sponsorship: Will consider H1b- transfers /TN-1 Visas

Relocation : Available on a Case-by-Case Basis

Position Summary

A global leader in advanced photonics and semiconductor technologies is seeking a Lead Engineer, InP Laser Development & New Product Introduction to join its growing R&D organization in Fremont, California.

This role will focus on the design and development of high-power Indium Phosphide (InP) semiconductor lasers used in next-generation optical communications and AI-driven data center infrastructure. The successful candidate will take ownership of laser design activities from concept through fabrication, characterization, qualification, and new product introduction while working closely with internal engineering teams, manufacturing partners, customers, and suppliers.

This is a highly visible opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands-on device development, technical leadership, and solving complex challenges at the forefront of optical networking technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of InP-based semiconductor lasers for high-speed data communication applications

• Own critical aspects of laser development including device architecture, grating design, epitaxy, coatings, and performance optimization

• Utilize simulation tools to identify key design parameters and establish performance and yield targets

• Develop and execute design of experiments (DOE) to accelerate device development and process optimization

• Support wafer fabrication launches and coordinate activities across development and manufacturing teams

• Design and implement electrical and optical characterization methodologies to evaluate device performance

• Analyze fabrication and performance data using statistical methods and engineering tools

• Drive technical coordination across epitaxy, wafer fabrication, assembly, packaging, and test organizations

• Manage project schedules, milestones, documentation, and technical deliverables

• Translate customer requirements into product specifications and development objectives

• Interface directly with customers, suppliers, and external partners on both technical and business-related matters

Required Qualifications

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optoelectronics, or a related discipline

• Ph.D. preferred

• 3–5+ years of industry experience in semiconductor lasers, photonics, optoelectronics, or related technologies

• Strong understanding of semiconductor physics, laser physics, and device operating principles

• Experience with semiconductor device characterization including electrical and optical measurements

• Working knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes with hands-on development experience preferred

• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies

• Strong analytical and statistical data analysis skills

• Excellent project management, organization, and technical documentation capabilities

• Strong communication and collaboration skills within cross-functional engineering environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience developing InP-based semiconductor laser products

• Experience with device simulation and modeling tools

• Background supporting new product introduction and product commercialization

• Experience working with optical communications, datacom, networking, or AI infrastructure technologies

• Exposure to epitaxy, wafer fabrication, assembly, packaging, and semiconductor test processes

• Experience interacting directly with customers and external technology partners

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth with the ability to lead complex development programs and drive results across multiple engineering disciplines.

This person enjoys working hands-on with advanced semiconductor devices while also managing projects, coordinating stakeholders, and influencing technical direction. They thrive in fast-paced development environments and are motivated by seeing innovative technologies move from concept into production.

Candidates from photonics, optical communications, semiconductor laser, or advanced optoelectronics backgrounds will be particularly well aligned.

Why This Opportunity

• Opportunity to develop industry-leading InP laser technologies that power global communications networks

• Direct impact on next-generation AI infrastructure, hyperscale data centers, and optical networking platforms

• Work on products that have enabled more than 100 million deployed optical devices worldwide

• Join a highly experienced and collaborative semiconductor R&D team

• Significant technical ownership and visibility across the product development lifecycle

• Exposure to customers, suppliers, and strategic technology initiatives

• Strong career growth opportunities within a global technology leader

• Competitive compensation, bonus opportunity, and comprehensive benefits package