The Hiring Method logo

Lead Design Engineer - Semiconductor Lasers

The Hiring Method
July 01, 2026
Full-time
On-site
Fremont, California, United States
$100,625 - $172,250 USD yearly
Device Engineering Jobs, Level - Senior

Job Title

Lead Design Engineer - Semiconductor Lasers

Role Summary

Lead the design and development of high-power Indium Phosphide (InP) semiconductor lasers from concept through fabrication, characterization, qualification, and new product introduction in an R&D and manufacturing development environment.

Work closely with cross-functional engineering teams, manufacturing partners, customers, and suppliers to define product specifications, execute device development, and transfer designs into production.

Experience Level

Senior-level engineer. The posting requests approximately 3–5+ years of industry experience in semiconductor lasers, photonics, or optoelectronics.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include hands-on device development, technical leadership, project management, and coordination across development and manufacturing functions.

  • Lead design and development of InP-based semiconductor lasers for high-speed data communications.
  • Define device architecture, grating designs, epitaxy, coatings, and performance/yield targets.
  • Use simulation tools to identify key parameters and set performance goals.
  • Plan and execute design of experiments (DOE) to optimize device and process performance.
  • Support wafer fabrication launches and coordinate with fabrication, assembly, packaging, and test teams.
  • Design and implement electrical and optical characterization methods; analyze results with statistical methods.
  • Manage project schedules, milestones, documentation, and technical deliverables.
  • Translate customer requirements into product specifications and development objectives; interface with customers and suppliers.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience for immediate contribution.

  • 3–5+ years of industry experience in semiconductor lasers, photonics, optoelectronics, or related technologies.
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor and laser physics and device operating principles.
  • Experience with semiconductor device characterization (electrical and optical measurements).
  • Working knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes and hands-on development experience preferred.
  • Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies.
  • Strong analytical and statistical data-analysis skills.
  • Project management, documentation, and cross-functional communication skills.

Nice-to-have:

  • Direct experience developing InP-based laser products.
  • Experience with device simulation and modeling tools.
  • Background in new product introduction and product commercialization.
  • Experience with optical communications, datacom, networking, or AI infrastructure technologies.
  • Exposure to epitaxy, wafer fabrication, assembly, packaging, and semiconductor test processes.
  • Experience interfacing directly with customers and external technology partners.

Education Requirements

M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optoelectronics, or a related discipline is required; Ph.D. is preferred. Relevant fields include electrical engineering, physics, and optoelectronics. (No mention of equivalent-experience language.)


About the Company

Company: The Hiring Method

Recruiting and talent-acquisition firm that connects engineering and technology professionals with employers, specializing in placing candidates in semiconductor, photonics, and R&D roles.

The Hiring Method logo

Date Posted: 2026-07-01