Staff Engineer, Optical Modeling and Statistical Analysis

Ayar Labs is seeking a Staff Engineer in Optical Modeling & Statistical Analysis to join our Optical Packaging team.

About the role

This role involves leading optical performance analysis and modeling to establish interface specifications and assess validation results for co-packaged optics solutions. It combines optical physics with statistical analysis to understand component and assembly variation and its impact on packaged optical performance.

What you'll do

• Develop optical performance models that quantify component and assembly variation while accounting for measurement uncertainty.
• Analyze and correlate component, wafer, package, and manufacturing datasets to identify performance trends and investigate discrepancies.
• Develop packaging optical budgets with internal teams and translate system allocations into connector and interface specifications.
• Define optical acceptance criteria and assess program builds, supplier lots, and reliability results against product requirements.
• Design experiments with test, characterization, and process engineers to isolate sources of variation and validate model predictions.
• Develop supplier performance comparisons and guide improvement priorities with internal teams and external partners.
• Document models, validation assessments, and recommendations through reproducible analysis and clear technical reviews.

What you'll need

• BS in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Statistics, or a related field and 2+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience leading quantitative analysis and modeling of optical components, packages, or interconnects to support engineering decisions.
• Strong understanding of optical physics, fiber-to-chip coupling, connector performance, and optical loss budgets.
• Experience applying statistical methods to experimental or manufacturing data, including variation analysis, uncertainty estimation, and model validation.
• Proficiency in Python or equivalent tools for processing measurement datasets and developing reproducible analyses.
• Working knowledge of optical characterization, calibration, and measurement repeatability.
• Ability to lead cross-functional investigations and communicate technical conclusions, limitations, and recommended actions.

Nice to have

• Master's or PhD.
• Experience with silicon photonic interfaces, fiber-array units, optical connectors, or optical assembly processes.
• Experience with statistical optical budget modeling, Monte Carlo simulation, or tolerance analysis.
• Familiarity with Zemax, Code V, or equivalent optical modeling tools and correlation with measured performance.
• Experience supporting supplier qualification, reliability assessment, or manufacturing test correlation.

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