Sr. principal hardware architect

Work Setting: Hybrid – Fremont, CA (onsite preferred with flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week)

Travel: Approximately 10–20%, primarily for customer meetings, technical collaboration, and project support

Compensation: Approximately $150,000 to $190,000 base salary, depending on experience and level

Bonus: Target annual bonus of approximately 12–15%, based on level

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401(k), annual bonus, equity/RSU eligibility, and comprehensive employee benefits package

Work Authorization: Sponsorship support is available for qualified TN-1 candidates and H-1B transfers.

Position Summary

A global leader in optical communications technology is seeking a Senior Principal Hardware Architect to help design the next generation of high-speed optical transceivers powering AI infrastructure, hyperscale data centers, and high-performance computing. This is a highly technical individual contributor role for an experienced hardware architect with expertise in high-speed electrical design, signal integrity, power integrity, and optical transceiver development. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing next-generation PAM4 optical modules supporting speeds of 1.6T, 2.4T, and beyond. The ideal candidate is passionate about solving complex hardware challenges, enjoys working cross-functionally with multidisciplinary engineering teams, and wants to help shape products used by many of the world's largest cloud and AI infrastructure providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of high-speed optical transceivers from concept through production
• Design high-speed hardware with an emphasis on signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI), PCB/PCBA design, and RF performance
• Define electrical architecture for next-generation optical modules supporting AI, machine learning, and hyperscale datacenter applications
• Collaborate with firmware, software, optics, process engineering, product management, quality, and manufacturing teams throughout product development
• Support system integration, design validation, EVT/DVT activities, NPI, and production readiness
• Perform design reviews, troubleshooting, RF simulations, lab validation, and performance optimization
• Drive continuous improvements in manufacturability, reliability, and overall product performance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (Master's or Ph.D. preferred)
• Experience designing hardware for optical transceivers, optical modules, or other high-speed communication systems
• Strong background in signal integrity (SI/PI), PCB/PCBA design, and high-speed RF design
• Experience with PAM4 signaling and high-speed serial interfaces
• Hands-on experience bringing products from concept through validation and production
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and cross-functional communication skills
• Ability to thrive as a technical expert and individual contributor within a collaborative engineering organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DSPs, Silicon Photonics, EMLs, drivers, TIAs, and optical packaging technologies
• High-density multilayer PCB design experience
• RF simulation using CST, HFSS, or similar modeling tools
• Optical and electrical laboratory characterization experience
• Script-based test automation
• Experience supporting AI infrastructure, hyperscale datacenters, networking, or high-performance computing applications

Why This Opportunity

• Opportunity to develop next-generation optical transceivers enabling AI and hyperscale networking
• Highly technical role with significant influence over product architecture and design
• Work alongside world-class experts in photonics, optics, and high-speed hardware engineering
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies including PAM4, Silicon Photonics, and next-generation optical interconnects
• Collaborative engineering culture with strong cross-functional engagement
• Competitive compensation, annual bonus, equity opportunity, and excellent long-term career growth
• Opportunity to work on products deployed by many of the world's leading cloud and AI infrastructure companies