Optical Network Engineer
Los Angeles, CA
Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that photons will unlock the next evolution of human technology. Today, we're putting that vision into practice by developing the world's most advanced optical computing hardware.
We believe in engineering to the limit of physics, building our own factories, and writing software that maximizes the capability of our hardware. As we embark on this journey, we're seeking an expert Semiconductor Process Engineer who is motivated by our goal to operate the highest volume optical manufacturing facility in North America.
As our Optical Network Engineer, you'll play a critical role in the development and launch of our first product:
Optical Interconnects — High-bandwidth optical interconnects are essential to the future of computing. Scaling their production requires a tightly integrated optical validation environment—from precision alignment and coupling to high-throughput, repeatable testing. As our Optical Networking Engineer, you own the optical integrity of every product we ship. You’ll design and operate the factory’s optical test infrastructure—from automated end-of-line systems using BERTs, OSAs, and high-speed scopes, to one-off validation during assembly. Your work ensures every optical path meets spec, every unit performs reliably, and our products are ready for deployment at scale.
What you'll do
- Define and own the bring-up of all new optical systems.
- Develop and maintain automated end-of-line optical test systems, including integration of BERTs, optical power meters, high-speed oscilloscopes, and OSAs.
- Design one-off test setups for in-line optical characterization, debug, and validation during assembly, bring-up, and failure analysis.
- Analyze signal quality metrics (insertion loss, extinction ratio, eye diagrams, and bit error rates) to drive yield and performance improvements.
- Collaborate with electrical, firmware, and manufacturing teams to ensure test systems are aligned with evolving product requirements and factory workflows.
- Drive root-cause investigations for optical failures, using test data to identify trends, improve robustness, and enhance end-of-line test reliability.
Basic Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- Experience hands-on experience in optical system design, test, or validation.
- Proficiency with optical test equipment including bit error rate testers (BERTs), optical spectrum analyzers (OSAs), optical power meters, and high-speed oscilloscopes.
- Strong understanding of optical communication principles, including signal integrity, insertion loss, extinction ratio, and eye diagram analysis.
- Experience designing or operating automated optical test setups for high-throughput environments.
- Demonstrated ability to debug optical failures and drive root-cause analysis across cross-functional teams.
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with high-speed optical signaling standards.
- Familiarity with scripting or automation tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW) for controlling test equipment and processing results.
- Understanding of opto-mechanical alignment and coupling techniques for fiber and waveguide systems.
- Prior involvement in scaling optical validation processes from R&D to mass production.
Compensation and benefits
- Competitive cash salary commensurate with experience and merit.
- Eligibility for long-term incentives including company stock options and discretionary bonuses awarded for exceptional achievements.
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance.
- Paid parental leave and flexible PTO (3 weeks vacation + 10 company holidays).
- Relocation assistance to sunny Los Angeles.
Apply
Send your resume to join at meshoptical dot com.