Director/Senior Manager Control and Firmware

Key Responsibilities
• Lead the architecture, design, and deployment of control and firmware systems for photonic products, spanning concept through production and field support.
• Define and drive control strategies and algorithms for initialization, calibration, stabilization, and performance optimization of photonic components (lasers, ring modulators, MZI-based mux/demux, and optical filters).
• Own system-level control architecture, including multi-loop control systems across photonic, electrical, and embedded firmware domains.
• Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing control and firmware engineering team; establish best practices, development processes, and technical standards.
• Partner cross-functionally with photonics, hardware, ASIC, and systems teams to ensure seamless integration of control, firmware, and product requirements.
• Oversee the development of validation strategies, automated test frameworks, and telemetry systems to ensure robust performance across environmental and manufacturing variations.
• Drive data-driven decision-making using advanced analytics, statistical methods, and visualization to improve system performance, yield, and reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis and resolution of complex system issues across lab, manufacturing, and field environments.
• Influence product roadmap and technology strategy, aligning control and firmware capabilities with long-term business and platform goals.

Qualifications
• Strong foundation in control theory and practical implementation, including PID control, adaptive control techniques, and signal processing.
• Proven experience leading firmware and/or control systems teams in complex hardware products (preferably photonics, optics, or high-speed systems).
• Deep experience in embedded firmware development, real-time systems, and hardware/software co-design.
• Expertise in optical test and measurement systems (e.g., optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, interferometry) and automated lab infrastructure.

• Proficiency in Python or similar languages for automation, data analysis, and system validation.
• Strong understanding of photonic components and systems, including lasers, modulators, amplifiers, filters, and photodetectors.
• Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools for control systems and optical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence at senior levels.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear direction and strategy.
• Track record of delivering products from development through production at scale.
• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field with 15+ years of experience, or PhD with 12+ years of experience, including leadership responsibilities.