> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3600546-senior-staff-optics-engineer-network-qualification-strategy](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3600546-senior-staff-optics-engineer-network-qualification-strategy). 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). --- # Senior Staff Optics Engineer, Network Qualification & Strategy - **Company:** Crusoe's Inc - **Location:** Seattle, WA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $250,000.0 - $300,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computer Engineering, Wavelength-Division Multiplexing, Data Centers, Ethernet, InfiniBand, Interoperability, Software Reliability Testing, Signal Integrity, AI Infrastructure, IEEE 802.3, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Reliability of Systems, Data Center Networking - **Published:** October 7, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=45c14db27d65bd52 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field (Master's or PhD preferred). * 10+ years of experience in optical networking, with direct hands-on experience qualifying transceivers/optics for hyperscale or large-scale data center environments. * Deep technical expertise in optical interconnect technologies (SR/DR/FR/LR optics, DAC/AOC, coherent DWDM) and signal integrity fundamentals for high-speed Ethernet (100G/400G/800G). * Proven experience building and running hardware qualification programs, including test plan design, lab test execution, and statistical reliability analysis. * Track record of managing vendor relationships and technical negotiations with optics/component suppliers at scale. * Strong understanding of data center network architectures (leaf-spine, rail-optimized GPU fabrics) and how optics choices impact overall fabric design. * Excellent cross-functional communication skills, with experience influencing engineering, procurement, and executive stakeholders. * Demonstrated ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with evolving priorities. Bonus Points: * Experience with AI/ML cluster networking (InfiniBand, RoCEv2) and GPU-to-GPU interconnect requirements. * Familiarity with co-packaged optics (CPO) or linear-drive pluggable optics (LPO) architectures. * Active participation in industry standards bodies (OIF, IEEE 802.3, CWDM8/QSFP-DD MSA groups). * Experience with automated optics testing/validation frameworks and telemetry-driven fleet health monitoring. * Prior experience in a hyperscaler, cloud provider, or optical component supplier environment. ## Description Crusoe is building the physical and software backbone that powers the world's most demanding AI workloads, and our networking team sits at the center of that mission - designing and operating the high-performance fabrics that connect thousands of GPUs into unified compute clusters. As Sr. Staff Optics Engineer, Network Qualification & Strategy, you will own the technical strategy, qualification, and lifecycle management of optical transceivers and interconnect technologies across Crusoe's data center fleet. This is a highly visible, cross-functional role that directly influences network reliability, cost, and scalability at a moment when optics choices (400G, 800G, and beyond) are among the most consequential decisions in AI infrastructure build-outs. The ideal candidate is a deeply technical optics/networking expert who thrives at the intersection of hardware engineering, vendor strategy, and operational rigor - someone equally comfortable in a lab characterizing signal integrity as they are in a boardroom negotiating a multi-year supply agreement. This is a full-time position reporting into Networking Engineering, with the opportunity to shape optics strategy from the ground up as Crusoe scales its global fleet. What You'll Be Working On: * Optics Qualification Program: Design and run the end-to-end qualification process for optical transceivers, cables, and interconnects (DAC/AOC/pluggable optics), including signal integrity, thermal, interoperability, and long-term reliability testing. * Technology Roadmap & Strategy: Define Crusoe's multi-generation optics strategy (400G 800G 1.6T), evaluating emerging technologies like linear pluggable optics (LPO), co-packaged optics (CPO), and coherent DWDM for scale-out and scale-across fabrics. * Vendor & Supply Chain Management: Own relationships with optics and component vendors, driving RFQs, cost negotiations, second-source strategies, and supply chain risk mitigation to ensure availability at scale. * Failure Analysis & RCA: Lead root cause analysis for optics-related field failures, partnering with vendors and internal ops teams to drive corrective actions and improve fleet-wide reliability. * Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate closely with SDN, physical network design, data center operations, and procurement teams to align optics selection with fabric architecture and deployment timelines. * Standards & Interoperability: Represent Crusoe in industry standards bodies and multi-source agreements (MSAs) relevant to optical interconnects, ensuring the company's requirements are reflected in evolving specs. * Documentation & Enablement: Build qualification test plans, acceptance criteria, and technical documentation that scale across the organization and inform build partners and vendors. * Cost & Capacity Modeling: Partner with finance and supply chain to model optics cost curves and capacity needs against Crusoe's data center growth plans.