{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"5c4b750dd446cbed855f51e2","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5c4b750dd446cbed855f51e2","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5c4b750dd446cbed855f51e2","title":"Optical Network Engineer","description":"MatX's mission is to make the world’s best AI models run as efficiently as allowed by physics, bringing the world years ahead in AI quality and availability.\n\nAbout the Role\nThis is a senior-level, highly specialized engineering role focused on the design, qualification, and productization of next-generation optical interconnect technologies for AI scale-up and scale-out networks. The engineer owns the full lifecycle — from component characterization and link budget analysis to system-level bring-up and data center deployment — across the evolving spectrum of optical integration approaches: pluggables, NPO, and CPO .\n\nWhat You'll Do\n\nValidate and productize high-speed copper and optical connectivity solutions for AI accelerator systems; own vendor due diligence and onboarding for new 1.6T products including AEC and pluggable optical transceivers.\n\nCharacterize and qualify optical modules across the integration spectrum — DSP Optics, LRO, LPO, NPO, and CPO — for 800G and 1.6T deployment in scale-up AI fabrics\n\nPerform link budget analysis and evaluate performance metrics including TDECQ, OMA, stressed receiver sensitivity, and associated diagnostics.\n\nDevelop expertise in transceiver components including CW lasers, SiPh PICs, EML, DSP, passive subassemblies, their failure modes, and characterization methodologies.\n\nEvaluate silicon photonics (SiPh) transceivers, VCSEL-based MMF links, and EML-based SMF solutions for scale-up fabric topologies\n\nApply knowledge of thermal, mechanical, power, and signal integrity constraints in dense hardware environments.\n\nDefine optical interconnect strategy for AI cluster topologies — rail-optimized, torus, dragonfly, and Clos — at XPU counts from 10K to 1M+\n\nModel and optimize end-to-end link budgets for 1.6T (200G/lane PAM4) across fiber types: SMF, MMF, MCF\n\nEngage with the transition from 1.6T to 3.2T (400G/lane) roadmaps and new form factors emerging with LPO and CPO.\n\nDevelop familiarity with subcomponent supply chains and global manufacturers, ODMs, and CMs.\n\nManage technical relationships with optical module vendors (Coherent, II-VI/Coherent, Lumentum, Innolight, HG Genuine, Eoptolink) and silicon photonics suppliers\n\nDrive NPI (New Product Introduction) qualification plans, yield improvement, and reliability testing with manufacturing partners\n\nWhat We're Looking For\nExperience & Education\n\nBS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or Photonics\n\n7–12+ years in optical interconnect engineering, with at least 3 years focused on data center or AI fabric applications\n\nHands‑on experience qualifying 400G, 800G, or 1.6T optical modules in production environments\n\nDeep knowledge of PAM4 signal theory, SerDes architecture, and optical link physics at 200G per lane\n\nProficiency in optical test equipment: BERT, OTDR, optical spectrum analyzers, sampling oscilloscopes (e.g., Keysight 86100), optical power meters, TDECQ testers\n\nExperience with OIF-CEI, IEEE 802.3dj electrical and optical compliance specs\n\nIn‑depth expertise in debugging and troubleshooting hardware; experience in the product development lifecycle.\n\nUnderstanding of fiber plant requirements: MPO/MTP connector, fiber cleanliness, insertion loss, PMD, and bend radius for high-density AI cluster cabling\n\nExperience with link budget modeling tools (MATLAB, Python-based photonic simulation, GNPY)\n\nAbility to collaborate with switch ASIC teams (SerDes architects), PCB/signal integrity engineers, thermal/mechanical engineers, and NOS/software teams\n\nStrong technical documentation and vendor communication skills\n\nBonus Points\n\nBackground in AI accelerator or GPU system validation\n\nFamiliarity with JEDEC or PCIe compliance testing methodologies\n\nExperience with statistical process control (SPC) or large‑scale data analysis for silicon characterization\n\nCompensation\nThe US base salary for this full‑time position is determined based on a variety of factors including role, experience, location, job related skills, and relevant education and training. Career length is only a guideline for compensation.\n\nEarly Career - $120,000 - $250,000 + equity\n\nWhat We Offer\n\nA Stake in our success A flexible cash equity compensation mix that fits your needs\n\nHeath & Wellness Company subsidized Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance; Pre‑tax Health Savings Accounts with generous company contribution (even if you don’t)\n\nTime To Recharge 4 weeks paid time off (accrued), 12 company holidays, and 3 weeks remote/flexible work per year\n\nSupport to Parents Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, regardless of your path to parenthood\n\nLearning & Development $1,500 yearly towards your professional development e.g. conferences, courses, and other learning opportunities\n\nTeam Connection Team Lunches, quarterly off‑sites, and regular town halls\n\nFinancial Wellbeing 401K and/or Roth IRA, with 5% company contribution, even if you don’t!\n\nFlexible Spending Accounts Pre‑tax spend accounts for medical, dental/vision, dependent care, parking, and transit expenses\n\nCommute On Us For those commuting up to 1 hour, put your rideshare cost on our company card and reclaim the drive‑time to get work done!\n\nMatX E[x]tras $50 per month to use on the perks you care about most\n\nRemote Perks We work remotely Monday & Friday, supported by home‑tech setup, and remote wifi expense reimbursement\n\nAs part of our dedication to the diversity of our team and our focus on creating an inviting and inclusive work experience, MatX is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, genetic information or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.\n\nAll candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and work from our offices in Mountain View Tuesdays-Thursdays.\n\nThis position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. This offer of employment is contingent upon the applicant's capacity to perform job functions in compliance with U.S. export control laws without obtaining a license from U.S. export control authorities.\n\nMatX does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third‑party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or People team and any resumes submitted are deemed to be the property of MatX.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Matx","rawCompany":"matx","city":"Mountain View","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":true,"createdAt":"2026-07-19T03:28:23.969Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2199.07","title":"Photonics Engineers","slug":"photonics-engineers"},{"code":"17-2072.00","title":"Electronics Engineers, Except Computer","slug":"electronics-engineers-except-computer"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"335921","title":"Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing","slug":"fiber-optic-cable-manufacturing"},{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"},{"code":"517111","title":"Wired Telecommunications Carriers","slug":"wired-telecommunications-carriers"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Optical Network Engineer","description":"MatX's mission is to make the world’s best AI models run as efficiently as allowed by physics, bringing the world years ahead in AI quality and availability.\n\nAbout the Role\nThis is a senior-level, highly specialized engineering role focused on the design, qualification, and productization of next-generation optical interconnect technologies for AI scale-up and scale-out networks. The engineer owns the full lifecycle — from component characterization and link budget analysis to system-level bring-up and data center deployment — across the evolving spectrum of optical integration approaches: pluggables, NPO, and CPO .\n\nWhat You'll Do\n\nValidate and productize high-speed copper and optical connectivity solutions for AI accelerator systems; own vendor due diligence and onboarding for new 1.6T products including AEC and pluggable optical transceivers.\n\nCharacterize and qualify optical modules across the integration spectrum — DSP Optics, LRO, LPO, NPO, and CPO — for 800G and 1.6T deployment in scale-up AI fabrics\n\nPerform link budget analysis and evaluate performance metrics including TDECQ, OMA, stressed receiver sensitivity, and associated diagnostics.\n\nDevelop expertise in transceiver components including CW lasers, SiPh PICs, EML, DSP, passive subassemblies, their failure modes, and characterization methodologies.\n\nEvaluate silicon photonics (SiPh) transceivers, VCSEL-based MMF links, and EML-based SMF solutions for scale-up fabric topologies\n\nApply knowledge of thermal, mechanical, power, and signal integrity constraints in dense hardware environments.\n\nDefine optical interconnect strategy for AI cluster topologies — rail-optimized, torus, dragonfly, and Clos — at XPU counts from 10K to 1M+\n\nModel and optimize end-to-end link budgets for 1.6T (200G/lane PAM4) across fiber types: SMF, MMF, MCF\n\nEngage with the transition from 1.6T to 3.2T (400G/lane) roadmaps and new form factors emerging with LPO and CPO.\n\nDevelop familiarity with subcomponent supply chains and global manufacturers, ODMs, and CMs.\n\nManage technical relationships with optical module vendors (Coherent, II-VI/Coherent, Lumentum, Innolight, HG Genuine, Eoptolink) and silicon photonics suppliers\n\nDrive NPI (New Product Introduction) qualification plans, yield improvement, and reliability testing with manufacturing partners\n\nWhat We're Looking For\nExperience & Education\n\nBS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or Photonics\n\n7–12+ years in optical interconnect engineering, with at least 3 years focused on data center or AI fabric applications\n\nHands‑on experience qualifying 400G, 800G, or 1.6T optical modules in production environments\n\nDeep knowledge of PAM4 signal theory, SerDes architecture, and optical link physics at 200G per lane\n\nProficiency in optical test equipment: BERT, OTDR, optical spectrum analyzers, sampling oscilloscopes (e.g., Keysight 86100), optical power meters, TDECQ testers\n\nExperience with OIF-CEI, IEEE 802.3dj electrical and optical compliance specs\n\nIn‑depth expertise in debugging and troubleshooting hardware; experience in the product development lifecycle.\n\nUnderstanding of fiber plant requirements: MPO/MTP connector, fiber cleanliness, insertion loss, PMD, and bend radius for high-density AI cluster cabling\n\nExperience with link budget modeling tools (MATLAB, Python-based photonic simulation, GNPY)\n\nAbility to collaborate with switch ASIC teams (SerDes architects), PCB/signal integrity engineers, thermal/mechanical engineers, and NOS/software teams\n\nStrong technical documentation and vendor communication skills\n\nBonus Points\n\nBackground in AI accelerator or GPU system validation\n\nFamiliarity with JEDEC or PCIe compliance testing methodologies\n\nExperience with statistical process control (SPC) or large‑scale data analysis for silicon characterization\n\nCompensation\nThe US base salary for this full‑time position is determined based on a variety of factors including role, experience, location, job related skills, and relevant education and training. Career length is only a guideline for compensation.\n\nEarly Career - $120,000 - $250,000 + equity\n\nWhat We Offer\n\nA Stake in our success A flexible cash equity compensation mix that fits your needs\n\nHeath & Wellness Company subsidized Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance; Pre‑tax Health Savings Accounts with generous company contribution (even if you don’t)\n\nTime To Recharge 4 weeks paid time off (accrued), 12 company holidays, and 3 weeks remote/flexible work per year\n\nSupport to Parents Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, regardless of your path to parenthood\n\nLearning & Development $1,500 yearly towards your professional development e.g. conferences, courses, and other learning opportunities\n\nTeam Connection Team Lunches, quarterly off‑sites, and regular town halls\n\nFinancial Wellbeing 401K and/or Roth IRA, with 5% company contribution, even if you don’t!\n\nFlexible Spending Accounts Pre‑tax spend accounts for medical, dental/vision, dependent care, parking, and transit expenses\n\nCommute On Us For those commuting up to 1 hour, put your rideshare cost on our company card and reclaim the drive‑time to get work done!\n\nMatX E[x]tras $50 per month to use on the perks you care about most\n\nRemote Perks We work remotely Monday & Friday, supported by home‑tech setup, and remote wifi expense reimbursement\n\nAs part of our dedication to the diversity of our team and our focus on creating an inviting and inclusive work experience, MatX is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, genetic information or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.\n\nAll candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and work from our offices in Mountain View Tuesdays-Thursdays.\n\nThis position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. This offer of employment is contingent upon the applicant's capacity to perform job functions in compliance with U.S. export control laws without obtaining a license from U.S. export control authorities.\n\nMatX does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third‑party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or People team and any resumes submitted are deemed to be the property of MatX.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-07-19T03:28:23.969Z","dateModified":"2026-07-19T03:28:23.969Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Matx","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Mountain View","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"5c4b750dd446cbed855f51e2"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5c4b750dd446cbed855f51e2"}}