Engineer, Hardware Test Software

Job Location: On-site in San Jose

Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light instead of electricity to move data faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy needed to fuel the explosive growth of AI models.

Backed by industry giants like NVIDIA, AMD, Mediatek and Intel and manufactured in partnership with the world’s leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs’ co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures.

As an Engineer in the Software Infrastructure group of the Product and Test Engineering department, you will be expected to execute assigned software development tasks independently, applying standard engineering techniques and judgment to adapt solutions that will enable high volume production of our SuperNova and TeraPHY parts. You will work closely with your colleagues in the Product and Test Engineering department to help them consolidate, standardize, test, and release instrument drivers, test recipes, and other software solutions. You will be joining a small team in a dynamic startup environment, where you are expected to take on a wide range of responsibilities with guidance from senior engineers and team leads, and to learn and grow with the company.

Key Responsibilities

Write Python software to automate experimental runs and data analyses
Troubleshoot issues related to optical instruments, electrical components, or software
Identify gaps in Test coverage, design, and flow. Implement new Tests to improve coverage
Implement improvements to Test flows and processes to enable high volume manufacturing
Collaborate with Ayar Labs Data Engineering to ensure that Test results flow smoothly into our internal database
Collaborate with the Product and Test Engineering department to support software needs while following best practices for version control and documentation
Escalate and help resolve software/firmware issues with equipment vendors
Provide regular updates to team leads on project status, flagging blockers and proposing solutions within assigned scope

Required Qualifications

BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 1+ years of industry experience; or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 0–2 years of industry experience
Proficiency with Python; familiarity with C/C++ or Java
Proficiency with instrument communication protocols (GPIB, RS232, USB, etc)
Proficiency writing and debugging programs for instrument control
Proficiency with Git, unit testing and CI/CD
Working knowledge of data structures and algorithms
Proficiency working with MongoDB and SQL databases like PostGresSQL

Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency with C/C++ or Java
Experience with javascript
Experience with agentic coding (claude or gemini)
Experience with chip communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, etc)
Experience with test and measurement of photonics, optics, and electronics
Experience working in Linux environments
Familiarity with Jira or similar project management system

Annual salary range: $130k - $160k

Note To Recruiters

Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don’t send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.

Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.
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