Principal Optical Product Engineer

Acceler8 Talent is proud to partner with a well-funded, VC-backed AI networking hardware startup in the SF Bay Area that’s redefining infrastructure for the world’s largest hyperscalers. Operating under a Joint Development Model (JDM), this company co-develops highly customized networking hardware, software, and optics solutions tailored to the evolving needs of large-scale AI workloads.With over $610M in funding and rapid expansion underway, they are seeking a Hardware Product Engineer – Optics & Cables to own the qualification, reliability, manufacturing readiness, and long-term strategy of critical interconnect technologies powering next-generation AI networking platforms.ResponsibilitiesLead qualification, reliability, and manufacturing readiness activities for high-speed optical transceivers, fiber optic assemblies, and cable solutions.Develop and execute validation plans to ensure long-term optical performance and field reliability.Define inspection, cleaning, assembly, and handling processes for optical components across internal and contract manufacturing environments.Partner with hardware, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams to establish best practices for optics integration and deployment.Evaluate and qualify new optics and cable suppliers, providing technical guidance on supplier selection and manufacturing capabilities.Investigate failure modes, develop reliability test plans, and implement corrective actions to improve product robustness.Influence future interconnect technology roadmaps through evaluation of emerging optical and cable technologies.RequirementsBachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.8+ years of experience in optical product engineering, optical NPI, manufacturing engineering, reliability engineering, or related fields.Hands-on experience with high-speed networking optics and cable technologies, including 400G+ optical transceivers and interconnect systems.Strong understanding of optical component manufacturing processes, qualification methodologies, and reliability testing.Experience developing qualification plans, reliability test strategies, and failure analysis methodologies for optics or cable products.Knowledge of optical connector technologies, transceiver architectures, and common optical failure mechanisms.Experience working directly with suppliers and contract manufacturers to improve product quality and manufacturing readiness.Preferred QualificationsExperience with automated optical inspection systems, BERT testing, and optical validation tools.Familiarity with optical manufacturing environments, cleanroom processes, and fiber handling best practices.Experience evaluating next-generation interconnect technologies such as co-packaged optics, active copper solutions, and advanced optical architectures.Knowledge of industry standards and qualification frameworks for high-speed optical networking products.