R&D VCSEL Designer

Job Title

R&D VCSEL Designer

Role Summary

Design and develop GaAs-based VCSEL devices and technology platforms for high-speed optical applications. Work within an R&D team to take designs from concept through fabrication, characterization, analysis, and transfer to manufacturing.

Contribute to device physics, process development, and IP generation that support products for data centers, telecom, and advanced systems.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Typical background: 3+ years of relevant experience (Master's-level) or advanced research experience (PhD preferred).

Responsibilities

Core responsibilities include design, characterization, process definition, and transfer to manufacturing.

• Design GaAs-based VCSEL devices and platform-level technology (mask layout, emitter design).
• Define epitaxial (EPI) structures and develop fabrication flows (etching, metallization, dielectric passivation, implantation, oxidation, wafer fusion).
• Characterize devices at wafer probe and chip-on-carrier: LIV, spectra, polarization stability, near-field and far-field beam parameters under CW, ms pulsed, and ns pulsed operation.
• Analyze test data and correlate measurements to device physics, epi, fab and layout to drive design improvements.
• Use modeling tools and data analysis to optimize device performance and inform design changes.
• Coordinate with internal teams and contract manufacturers to transfer designs, fabrication flows, and characterization methods into manufacturing and product release.
• Generate and document intellectual property from new design and manufacturing ideas.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items listed separately.

• Experience with VCSEL design and wafer fabrication.
• Knowledge of semiconductor device physics, process technology, and fabrication equipment.
• Experience with device characterization methods and measurement equipment relevant to laser diodes.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, or Minitab; scripting/data processing with Python or MATLAB; experience with photomask layout.
• Proven ability to work in cross-functional teams as both leader and contributor.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Nice-to-have:

• Optoelectronic device modeling (electrical, optical, thermal).
• Prior industry experience with GaAs VCSELs.

Education Requirements

PhD in optoelectronics or a related field OR a Master's degree with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. PhD with industry experience is preferred.

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.