Principal Hardware Engineer
LumentumJob Title
Principal Hardware Engineer
Role Summary
The Principal Hardware Engineer will lead hardware design for optical transceivers and related modules within the Cloud and Networking Optical Module R&D team. This role provides subject-matter expertise in hardware architecture, opto-electronic packaging, materials science, and high-speed PCB/circuit design to deliver manufacturable, high-performance products.
Experience Level
Senior / Principal level (senior technical leadership and SME responsibilities).
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities for this role include technical leadership, hands-on hardware design, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Serve as SME for optical transceiver hardware design and opto-electronic packaging.
- Provide high-level technical guidance and mentor technical leads and junior engineers.
- Lead packaging and component integration strategies to meet performance, cost, and reliability goals.
- Define and oversee qualification, standards compliance, and testing strategies (e.g., Telcordia requirements).
- Plan and execute advanced testing and troubleshooting for complex hardware systems; develop new test methodologies.
- Design and optimize high-speed PCBs and circuits for power efficiency, low noise, and compact form factors.
- Collaborate with firmware, test, materials, manufacturing, and global teams to drive product development and transfer to production.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills, leadership experience, and practical engineering abilities. Preferred qualifications are noted separately.
- Proven track record designing high-speed electronic or optical systems with significant design ownership and successful product releases.
- Deep knowledge of high-speed ICs and components (DSPs, drivers, TIAs) and hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, network analyzers, DCA, and similar test equipment.
- Strong PCB layout and high-speed circuit design skills focused on signal integrity, power, and thermal considerations.
- Proficiency in scripting (Python or similar) for automation, data analysis, and test development.
- Experience leading and mentoring technical teams in an R&D environment and driving cross-functional projects.
- Expertise in materials selection, testing methodologies, and applying materials science to hardware reliability.
- Experience with product qualification and compliance processes; familiarity with Telcordia or equivalent standards.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills; able to operate in a global, multi-timezone environment.
Education Requirements
BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
About the Company
Company: Lumentum
Headquarters: Milpitas, California, United States
Lumentum develops optical and photonic products and subsystems for telecommunications, data centers, cloud computing and industrial applications, providing lasers, modulators, transceivers and test solutions that enable high-speed networking and advanced photonics.
