Engineer, Systems and Hardware Validation

Ayar Labs•San Jose, CA

40d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated Validation Engineer to contribute to the validation efforts that ensure our groundbreaking products meet and exceed both component and system-level requirements. This role will support the transition of our technology from initial release to customer deployment, contributing to a seamless and high-performance experience for our clients. If you are a validation engineer with a passion for solving technical challenges, an interest in laser, photonics, CMOS, and system-level concepts, and the ability to test both hardware and software/firmware, this is your chance to make a significant impact on the future of interconnect technology.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
0-2+ years of experience with component and system test (may include internships or academic projects).
Familiarity with test equipment such as Bit Error Rate Testers (BERT), Digital Communication Analyzers (DCA), Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA), etc.
Basic understanding of standard signal quality metrics (e.g., eye diagrams, TDECQ, SRS, URS).
Experience with or exposure to programming languages (Python preferred) for test automation and data analysis.
Knowledge of or exposure to communication protocols and standards (e.g., Ethernet, PCIe).
Ability to analyze technical problems, identify potential root causes, and assist in developing effective solutions.
Understanding of basic data analysis and statistical methods.
Familiarity with Jira or similar bug tracking and project management tools.
Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and technologies.
Good written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
Hands-on experience with high-speed component and system test equipment.
Experience in semiconductor, photonics, or optical systems testing.
Some experience with SoC validation, bring-up, debugging, or optimization.
Exposure to high-speed SerDes characterization.
Basic understanding of firmware testing methodologies.
Knowledge of optical transceiver packaging and integration challenges.

Responsibilities

Execute Validation Plans: Implement comprehensive validation methodologies under the guidance of senior engineers to ensure products meet component and system-level requirements. This includes executing test plans, collecting data, and documenting results.
Support Product Bring-up: Collaborate with Design Engineering to bring up cutting-edge silicon photonic and laser products, assisting in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues that arise.
Perform Component and System Testing: Conduct rigorous design validation on new chips and products through electrical and optical characterization of VLSI integrated circuits and optoelectronic systems. This includes testing both hardware and software/firmware components.
Support Firmware Validation: Assist in firmware validation by executing test cases, identifying, and reporting issues, and working with firmware developers to resolve them.
Contribute to Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to identify and implement product improvements through bench characterization, and other techniques.
Support New Product Introduction (NPI): Work with Design, Package, and Reliability Engineering to support the smooth transition of products from development to mass production.
Develop Documentation: Assist in authoring and maintaining clear and concise validation reports, test procedures, and documentation that communicate product performance.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and present test data to support design trade-offs and specification adjustments.
Develop and Maintain Test Setups: Contribute to the creation and maintenance of software scripts (e.g., Python) and test hardware stations required for efficient and comprehensive validation.
Utilize Tracking Tools: Employ tools like Jira for defect tracking, test case management, and reporting progress.
Support Project Execution: Contribute to project tasks to meet product timelines and customer demand, while maintaining high-quality standards.