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.