Senior Optical Hardware Engineer

Credo is seeking an Senior Optical Hardware Engineer to join our Zero Flap optical module development team at our San Jose headquarters. In this role, you’ll validate and debug optical modules operating at 212.5 Gbps (PAM4) and beyond, applying your expertise in signal and power integrity to ensure optimal performance and readiness for high-volume production. You’ll partner with cross-functional teams and industry partners to advance Credo’s Zero Flap optical products from prototype through mass manufacturing—playing a critical role in shaping the next generation of high-speed optical interconnects.

Base salary range is $140,000 – $210,000 a year. The base salary offer will depend on factors such as education, experience, training, skills, qualifications, and location. This position is also eligible for a discretionary bonus, equity and a full range of medical and other benefits.

**Why Credo

• Purpose: We invest in what matters. From meaningful-future shaping projects to competitive compensation, we empower you to grow your career while making a lasting impact.
• People: Connection starts within. We collaborate, celebrate wins, and create an environment where everyone can do their best work.
• Possibilities: Our belief shapes what’s next. Our technology powers the most reliable and energy-efficient connections around the world – and our team powers new products and markets that come next.

Responsibilities

• Review PCB requirements, interfaces, and constraints with mechanical, firmware, optical, and manufacturing teams, and review PCB layouts, including component placement, stack-up design, high-speed routing, controlled impedance paths, and SI/PI-driven layout strategies.
• Perform PCB bring-up, debugging, and characterization using oscilloscopes, VNAs, and power analysis tools, and review SI/PI simulations and modeling reports (channel analysis, PDN optimization, high-speed data path modeling) for 1.6Tbps+ module architectures.
• Support NPI and mass production, ensuring manufacturability, yield, reliability, and DFM compliance, and partner with manufacturing teams on production readiness and timely issue resolution.
• Coordinate electrical-optical system integration for high-speed modules, aligning PCB architecture with optical engine requirements; define electrical interfaces for optical components (drivers, TIAs, DSPs/Coherent ASICs, lasers, photodiodes) to ensure signal integrity across the optical chain; and support integration of optical subassemblies (ROSAs, TOSAs, Coherent Optical Engines), including connector selection, power delivery, and high-speed interface routing.
• Collaborate with optical, mechanical, packaging, and supplier teams to co-optimize PCB designs for thermal paths, mechanical constraints, fiber routing, and optical engine placement; debug electrical-optical performance issues (modulation errors, link margin, thermal drift, eye diagrams, interface compatibility); develop system-level test plans validating performance against industry standards (IEEE, OIF, MSAs); and ensure seamless integration across firmware, DSP/ASIC behavior, power regulation, clocking, and optical performance.