Optical Analog Front End Engineer

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We are looking for an Optical Analog Front End Engineer to join the founding engineering team and take technical ownership of the optical analog front-end subsystem that bridges free-space optical signals and digital networking infrastructure.

This role is focused on the design and implementation of the optical receive and transmit analog signal chain
, including photodetector interfaces, transimpedance amplification, filtering, modulation support, and high-speed data conversion. You will work at the boundary between optics, analog electronics, and digital systems, collaborating closely with FPGA, firmware, and systems engineers to deliver production-ready hardware.

This is a deep technical role for someone who wants to own the details of the optical analog front end while contributing to system-level integration and architecture.

• Design and own the optical analog front-end signal chain
  , including receiver and transmitter circuitry
• Develop low-noise receiver paths using photodetectors (Silicon, In Ga As ) with transimpedance amplifiers and analog filtering
• Design and optimize band-pass, high-pass, and low-pass filters for high-speed optical signaling
• Implement transmitter analog paths to support IMDD modulation schemes such as NRZ, PAM-4, and higher-order modulation
• Support modulation formats including NRZ, PAM-4, and QAM-based schemes at the analog interface level
• Work with ADCs, DACs, and clocking architectures to achieve low latency and high signal fidelity
• Design and analyze PLL-based clocking and synchronization systems
• Apply knowledge of ITU G.hn or related high-speed communication standards where applicable
• Collaborate with FPGA engineers on modulation/demodulation blocks implemented in FPGA fabric
• Interface with FPGA platforms such as Lattice or similar
  , including understanding logic structures and data paths
• Perform schematic capture, simulation, and analysis of high-speed analog circuits
• Partner with PCB designers to ensure proper signal integrity, grounding, isolation, and power integrity
• Bring up and debug hardware using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, BER testers, and optical lab equipment
• Characterize system performance including noise, bandwidth, latency, and link margin
• Support system-level integration, testing, and early customer deployments
• Contribute to architecture discussions, design reviews, and technical documentation

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
• 5+ years of professional experience in analog or mixed-signal circuit design
• Strong background in optical analog front-end design
  , including photodetectors and TIAs
• Experience designing low-noise, high-bandwidth analog signal chains
• Solid understanding of IMDD modulation techniques (NRZ, PAM-4; QAM a plus)
• Hands-on experience with ADCs, DACs, and high-speed clocking systems
• Familiarity with FPGA platforms and digital signal interfacing
• Experience collaborating with FPGA teams implementing modulation/demodulation blocks
• Proficiency with schematic capture and circuit simulation tools
• Strong understanding of PCB layout best practices for high-speed and analog designs
• Hands-on lab experience debugging real hardware
• Ability to work effectively across optics, firmware, FPGA, and systems teams
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving startup environment with evolving requirements
• Strong ownership mindset, problem-solving skills, and clear technical communication

Light Links offers competitive salary, meaningful equity, and full benefits, commensurate with experience. This is an on-site role based in our Campbell, CA office, where close collaboration, rapid iteration, and hands-on development are central to how we work.

As a member of the founding engineering team, you will have significant technical ownership and influence over the core architecture of a system designed to power the next generation of real-world AI.