Sr. Principal Hardware Architect
Listed on 2026-07-16
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Engineering
Hardware Engineer, Systems Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Test Engineer
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: $150,000 to $190,000 base salary, open to negotiate.
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 SummaryA 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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