Optical Systems Group Co-op

Job description

Number of Positions

2 Duration: 4 months Dates: January - May 2027 Location: Onsite in San Jose, CA EDUCATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS Currently pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

Responsibilities

Support the development, automation, and execution of optical system characterization and validation testing for next-generation coherent pluggable transceivers. Design and implement test methodologies to evaluate key performance metrics including required OSNR, chromatic dispersion, polarization effects, transmitter and receiver performance, and overall system performance. Develop and maintain automated laboratory test frameworks using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools to improve measurement efficiency, reproducibility, and data analysis.

Collect, process, and analyze large datasets from laboratory and system-level experiments, presenting results and recommendations to the engineering team. Assist in validating the optical performance of coherent photonic integrated circuits (PICs), analog and DSP ASICs. Work closely with a cross functional team to investigate performance issues, identify root causes, and verify corrective actions. Support integration and bring-up activities for early prototype hardware in laboratory environments.

Develop software utilities for instrument control, data acquisition, calibration, and reporting. Participate in the design and validation of performance optimization and calibration algorithms for coherent optical systems. Document test procedures, experimental results, and technical findings to support product development and technology transfer activities.

Qualifications

Currently pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. Strong foundation in optical communications, photonics, signal processing, or communication systems. Experience with test automation and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools. Knowledge of measurement techniques and test equipment used in the performance characterization of coherent pluggables.

Knowledge of software development practices, version control systems (Git), and automated test environments. Experience with statistical analysis, experimental design, or machine learning techniques applied to engineering problems. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex experimental data. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment.