Sr. Staff Engineer, HW/SW Module Integration

Sr. Staff Engineer, HW/SW Module IntegrationLocation: San Jose, CA (onsite)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 and manufactured in partnership with the world's leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs' co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures. As part of our marketing team, you won't just be managing a brand-you'll be the voice of a paradigm shift that defines the future of global AI computing architecture.We are seeking a highly skilled Electrical & Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and support embedded electronic systems from concept through production. This role combines hands-on hardware design with low-level firmware development to deliver reliable, high-performance products. This role will also be responsible for defining high-performance laser driver architectures, control loops, and monitoring firmware to meet aggressive requirements for linewidth, RIN, power stability, and reliability in datacenter and telecom environments.The ideal candidate is comfortable working across the full product lifecycle, including prototyping, testing, debugging, and cross-functional collaboration. This role operates at a system-architecture level and partners closely with laser device, optics, packaging, reliability, and manufacturing teams.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop analog and digital circuits, including schematic capture and pcb layout supportSelect and integrate components such as microcontrollers, sensors, power systems, and communication interfacesDevelop embedded firmware in C/C++ (or similar) for real-time systemsImplement and maintain device drivers, bootloaders, and communication protocols (SPI, I2C etc)Perform hardware bring up, debugging, and root cause analysis using lab equipmentCollaborate with mechanical, system (rack/chassis) electrical, manufacturing and test teams to ensure successful product integration, both on-site and offsites in AsiaConduct design verification, validation, testing, and documentationOptimize designs for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and costRequired QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in EE, Computer Engineering, or related fields5+ years industry experienceExperience in embedded systems development and electronics designStrong understanding of digital and analog fundamentalsExperience with microcontrollers and hardware debuggingFamiliarity with communication protocols and real-time systemsAbility to troubleshoot complex hardware and software interactionsScripting skills (Python, MATLAB etc.)Salary Range: $180,000 - $223,000NOTE TO RECRUITERS:Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don't send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.Ayar Labs is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.