Senior Staff Optical Packaging Engineer

Who we are

Aurora's mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.

The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone.

At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit aurora.tech or follow us on LinkedIn.

What we are looking for

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all.

We're searching for a Senior Staff Optical Packaging Engineer to join the Lidar Research Integration team. As we transition our next-generation Photonic Engine from concept to reality, you will lead the charge in owning the full prototyping lifecycle for our cutting-edge co-packaged optics. You will play a pivotal role in transforming advanced R&D into scalable, world-changing hardware, shaping the next era of autonomous sensing technology within an elite, multi-disciplinary environment.

In this role you will

• Lead the optical package design for the Photonic Engine utilized in the FirstLight long-range Lidar system.
• Conduct thorough reliability and failure modes analysis for packaging designs.
• Optimize manufacturing processes and troubleshoot issues by developing and executing comprehensive Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prototype and deliver the next generation of the Photonic Engine.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of industry R&D experience, successfully transitioning the mechanical design of optoelectronic packages into manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience with diverse optical components (e.g., gratings, mirrors, lenses) and reliable attachment techniques (e.g., epoxy and solder-based methods).
• Expert-level knowledge of component qualification processes (e.g., GR-468), product reliability testing, and statistical analysis tools.
• Proven track record in failure mode analysis and resolution for component and optical-packaging failures.

Desirable qualifications

• Strong command of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) for process optimization and comprehensive root cause analysis.
• Proven experience with the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, encompassing design, verification, qualification, and successful release to manufacturing.

The base salary range for this position is$197,000 - $285,000 per year. Aurora's pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate's starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

Working at Aurora At Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together - all without any jerks.

We believe in-person work increases collaboration, empathy and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, we operate in a hybrid work environment where Aurorans are in office at least 3 days per week.

Our Careers page provides insight into what it is like to work at Aurora, and you can find all the latest updates in our Newsroom.

Our commitment to safety

At the core of everything we do is our commitment to safety. Building best-in-class self-driving technology will take time, and we believe that each employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. Aurora expects commitment to our safety policies from every employee, and seeks candidates who take an active responsibility, can contribute to building an atmosphere of trust, and invest in the organization's long-term success by prioritizing working safely, no matter what.

Our commitment to inclusion

Aurora considers candidates without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law. Aurora considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.


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