Optical Engineer

Role Purpose

The Optical Engineer for Fiber Array Units will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of Fiber Array Units (FAUs) for optical communication and photonic systems. The role requires expertise in optical design, fiber alignment, optical testing, with a focus on optimizing performance, reliability, and manufacturability. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, manufacturing teams, and product managers, to deliver high-performance optical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and Development: Design and optimize Fiber Array Units (FAUs) to ensure high precision and low insertion loss for optical systems; Develop optical alignment strategies and processes for multi-fiber arrays; Create detailed specifications for FAU components, including fiber types, coatings, and end-face geometries.
• Prototyping and Testing: Build prototypes of FAUs and conduct rigorous testing to evaluate optical performance (e.g., alignment accuracy, insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk); Utilize optical simulation and modeling tools to validate designs; Analyze test data to identify and resolve design issues.
• Manufacturing and Assembly Support: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to develop scalable assembly processes for FAUs, including splicing, polishing, and fiber alignment; Define and implement quality control protocols for FAU production; Work on automation techniques for high-volume manufacturing of FAUs.
• Research and Innovation: Stay updated on the latest advancements in fiber optic technologies, materials, and fabrication techniques; Explore new materials and methods to improve the performance and reliability of FAUs; Contribute to the development of next-generation optical systems and photonic devices.
• Collaboration: Work closely with photonics engineers, system architects, and packaging teams to integrate FAUs into optical modules; Provide technical support to customers and partners regarding FAU-related issues; Prepare technical documentation, including design reports, test plans, and user manuals.
• Compliance and Standards: Ensure FAU designs meet industry standards (e.g., Telcordia, IEC) and customer-specific requirements; Maintain compliance with environmental and safety regulations for optical components.

Experiences/Education - Required

Education:

Master’s in Optics, Applied Physics, or related engineering, or Ph.D. in those fields; 2-5+ years of experience in optical engineering, with a focus on testing of fiber optics or photonics; Hands-on experience in designing and manufacturing FAUs is highly desirable; Experience in high-volume production environments is a plus.

Required Skills (These are skills that candidates must possess):

• Strong understanding of optical fiber technology, including single-mode and multi-mode fibers.
• Experience with optical design tools (e.g., Zemax, OpticStudio, Lumerical).
• Proficiency in optical alignment, coupling, and testing of fiber optics
• Knowledge of fiber splicing, polishing, and end-face preparation.
• Familiarity with optical test equipment such as Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSAs), Optical Time-Domain Reflectometers (OTDRs), and interferometers.
• Experience with cleanroom fabrication and assembly processes is an advantage.
• Fluent in English for communication, presentation, and documentation

Desired Skills

Desired Skills (these are the skills that would be nice for candidates to possess):

• Familiarity with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and their integration with FAUs.
• Knowledge of thermal management and reliability testing for optical components.
• Experience with automated optical alignment and packaging systems.

Soft Skills (Communication/Team/Leadership):

• Strong team player

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work with high precision.
• Good communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.