> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2712396-systems-applications-engineer-optical](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2712396-systems-applications-engineer-optical). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Systems Applications Engineer - Optical - **Company:** Lumilens Inc. - **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Software Debugging, Performance Tuning, Systems Integration, AI Infrastructure, Network Switches, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Physical Design - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/systems-applications-engineer-optical-lumilens-8293432 ## About the Role * Master's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field * Strong understanding of optical transceivers, including architecture, configuration, and performance characteristics * Extensive hands-on experience with DSP bring-up, transceiver configuration, and high-speed link debugging * In-depth familiarity with AI networking switch architectures and Layer 1/Layer 2 configurations * Experience working with 800G optical modules and 51.2T-class switches (1.6T and next-gen systems strongly preferred) * Solid understanding of ASIC architectures and system integration; chip-level and EIC-level experience is a strong plus * Experience interfacing with foundries and understanding semiconductor development and manufacturing flows * Active or prior involvement in industry standards (e.g., MSA participation) is highly desirable * Proven ability to work across cross-functional and geographically distributed teams * Experience building and managing ecosystem partnerships, with the ability to assess and strategically vet partner capabilities * Previous experience at a leading optical transceiver or networking systems company is highly preferred * Excellent analytical, communication, and customer-facing skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into actionable insights * Strong ability to work independently while influencing across complex organizations * Deep experience engaging with CPO/NPO (Co-Packaged Optics / Near-Package Optics) architectures, including system tradeoffs, optical/electrical integration considerations, and customer-facing technical discussions. * Background working at the chip level and/or EOC (Embedded Optical Connector / Engine-On-Chip) level-translating device-level constraints into system and platform-level solutions. * Hands-on experience supporting AI infrastructure deployments, with a focus on scale-up (intra-node/interconnect) and scale-out (cluster/fabric) architectures for high-performance workloads. * Proven ability to partner with customers and internal teams to map emerging AI workloads to next-generation optical and interconnect technologies, influencing roadmaps and design wins. ## Description We are seeking a highly skilled System Application Engineer (Optical) to support next-generation AI networking platforms and high-speed optical interconnects. In this role, you will work directly with customers deploying 800G and 1.6T optical transceivers on 51.2T-class and next-generation switches. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in optical transceiver operation, DSP configuration, and AI switch architectures-and thrives at the intersection of applications engineering, customer support, and system integration., * Provide expert technical support for 51.2T and next-generation switch architectures, with a strong focus on 800G and 1.6T optical transceivers * Serve as the primary customer-facing technical lead, translating customer requirements into system-level solutions * Debug and resolve complex interoperability issues across AI networking switches, DSPs, and high-speed optical modules * Lead customer demos, evaluations, and hands-on system bring-up, including switch configuration, link validation, and performance tuning * Collaborate cross-functionally with optical, ASIC, hardware, software, mechanical, and thermal engineering teams to ensure seamless product integration * Partner with silicon, EIC, and system teams to support end-to-end bring-up from chip-level to module- and system-level integration * Engage with external ecosystem partners (foundries, ASIC vendors, module partners) to align on technical capabilities, integration, and performance targets * Contribute to industry standards bodies (e.g., MSA) and stay current with emerging trends in AI networking, optical interconnects, and switch architectures * Operate effectively across global teams, driving alignment and execution across multiple geographies ## Related Videos - [Building the Nervous System of AI - Michael Kagan (NVIDIA)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2133-building-the-nervous-system-of-ai-michael-kagan-nvidia) - [Building a fully automated escape room](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/735-building-a-fully-automated-escape-room) - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. Live Coding)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100196-photonic-computing-programming-a-new-class-of-ai-accelerators-incl-live-coding) - [The Billion Dollar Machine: First Time Right.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/393-the-billion-dollar-machine-first-time-right) - [Designing for Every Direction: Logical CSS for Global, Adaptive, and Effortlessly Reversible UIs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2026-designing-for-every-direction-logical-css-for-global-adaptive-and-effortlessly-reversible-uis) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [MLOps – What’s the deal behind it?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/125-mlops-what-s-the-deal-behind-it) - [Stephan Gillich - Bringing AI Everywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/489-stephan-gillich-bringing-ai-everywhere) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development)