Optical Hardware Engineer Job at NR Consulting in Santa Barbara

Overview

NR Consulting is currently seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer for an onsite opportunity in Santa Barbara, CA.

Base pay range: $110,000.00/yr - $170,000.00/yr. Anticipated start date: 11/17/2025 (subject to change). Salary range noted is a guideline; actual compensation may vary based on location, experience, and job responsibilities. This posting is not an offer of employment. All applicants applying for positions in the United States must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This posting may include additional benefits. NR Consulting is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Title: Optical Hardware Engineer

Anticipated Start Date: 11/17/2025

Location: Santa Barbara, CA – Onsite

Job Description

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Module Engineer to lead the development and commercialization of next-generation optical transceiver modules. This position involves driving innovation across photonic, electrical, and mechanical domains to transform cutting-edge technologies into reliable, high-performance module products. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) engineers, systems engineers, and test & characterization experts to ensure seamless integration and manufacturability of advanced optical modules.

Responsibilities

• Define hardware architectures for next-generation optical transceiver modules.
• Translate system-level requirements into detailed optical, electrical, and mechanical specifications.
• Ensure module designs meet reliability, cost, and manufacturability targets.
• Collaborate with PIC teams for optimal optical engine and module compatibility.
• Optimize optical coupling (attach, lensing, tolerances) for performance and production efficiency.
• Oversee high-speed PCB design, signal integrity, and power integrity for PAM4/coherent lanes.
• Drive DSP/driver/AFE integration and functional testing.
• Conduct thermal modeling and develop thermal management strategies for high-power pluggable modules.
• Partner with the test engineering team to establish comprehensive module characterization plans (eye diagrams, jitter, sensitivity, power consumption, etc.).
• Lead system-level validation in simulated customer environments (switch/router/AI cluster testbeds).
• Manage early-stage prototypes hands-on assembly, debugging, and troubleshooting.
• Interface with optics, IC, and packaging vendors to qualify components and finalize specifications.
• Define DFM/DFT strategies including test coverage, assembly tolerances, and reliability verification.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards (IEEE, ITU, MSAs, Telcordia).
• Support technical discussions with customers and partners regarding module performance and roadmap alignment.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in optical module or hardware product development.
• Expertise in High-Speed Electronics PAM4/coherent links, SerDes, TIAs, drivers, DSPs.
• Strong background in Signal Integrity and RF eye diagrams, jitter, crosstalk, TDECQ, and channel modeling.
• Experience with optical packaging and assembly (fiber attach, lens alignment, PCB layout, co-packaged optics).
• Proficiency in thermal design and reliability testing for high-power modules.
• Working knowledge of standards such as IEEE 802.3, OIF, and MSAs (QSFP, OSFP, COBO, LPO/CPO).
• Hands-on experience with test instruments: BERTs, oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, and automated test systems.
• Familiarity with simulation tools like Lumerical, Zemax, HFSS, ADS, COMSOL, or similar.
• Understanding of DFM/DFT principles, Telcordia GR-468 testing, and yield optimization.
• Excellent collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Why Join Us

• Work on cutting-edge optical and photonic technologies.
• Be part of a collaborative, innovation-driven team.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

About NR Consulting

Founded in 2005, NR Consulting is a leading global provider of workforce solutions, technology services, and recruitment strategy, trusted by Fortune 500 and mid-sized organizations across North America, Europe, and Asia. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with a Global Delivery Center in India, NR Consulting partners with clients to drive innovation, accelerate business outcomes, and deliver scalable talent solutions across industries such as engineering, information technology, energy, life sciences, and manufacturing.

NR Consulting is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

This posting is not an offer of employment. All applicants applying for positions in the United States must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The submission of intentionally false or fraudulent information in response to this posting may render the applicant ineligible for the position. Any subsequent offer of employment will be considered employment at-will regardless of the anticipated assignment duration.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Engineering, Design, and Manufacturing

Industries

Semiconductor Manufacturing, Computers and Electronics Manufacturing, and Computer Hardware Manufacturing