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# Principal Laser Controls Engineer

- **Company:** Ayar Labs
- **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Content Management Interoperability Services, Embedded Software, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Reliability Engineering, Simulink, Systems Integration, Yield Optimization, Modeling and Simulation
- **Published:** October 23, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=4d0a91e4a61ae553

## About the Role

* MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Controls, or related field
 * ~12-15+ years of experience with deep focus on laser systems and control
 * Strong expertise in:
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APC/ACC loop design and optimization
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Laser behavior (L-I-V characteristics, thermal effects, degradation mechanisms)
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Feedback control theory and real-world implementation

 * Proven experience implementing calibration algorithms (factory and adaptive/in-field)
 * Strong embedded firmware background for real-time control systems
 * Proficiency in modeling and simulation (MATLAB/Python/Simulink or equivalent), with demonstrated correlation to hardware
 * Track record of driving system-level architecture and influencing cross-functional teams, * Experience with pluggable optical modules and CMIS
 * Familiarity with high-speed optical links, SerDes
 * Experience with reliability engineering (lifetime drift, burn-in, field performance)
 * Exposure to high-volume manufacturing, yield optimization, and test infrastructure

## Description

We are seeking a Principal Laser Controls Engineer to define and drive the control architecture for advanced laser-based optical modules. This role demands deep expertise in laser physics, control systems, and embedded implementation. You will own the technical vision for laser control-spanning optical power regulation, current control, thermal stabilization, and wavelength calibration-ensuring robust, scalable, and production-ready solutions across the full product lifecycle., * Define and own the end-to-end laser module control architecture, including:
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APC (Automatic Power Control) loops for stable optical output
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ACC (Automatic Current Control) strategies for laser drive optimization
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Automatic calibration frameworks (power, current, aging compensation, temperature drift)
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TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler) control for wavelength and thermal stability

 * Lead the design, modeling, and optimization of laser control loops, accounting for:
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Laser non-linearities (L-I curves, threshold behavior)
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Aging, degradation, and environmental variations
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Noise, stability margins, and transient performance

 * Architect closed-loop control strategies that balance performance, reliability, and manufacturability across PVT and lifetime conditions
 * Develop and own module embedded laser control firmware, including:
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Real-time control loops
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Calibration routines (factory + in-field)
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Fault detection, protection, and recovery mechanisms

 * Establish modeling and correlation frameworks linking simulation to silicon and optical performance, * Define the control and calibration backbone of next-generation laser products
 * High ownership across laser physics, control algorithms, and system integration
 * Opportunity to shape product direction in a fast-paced, execution-driven environment