Senior Staff Optical Packaging Engineer at Aurora

**Who this is for** A highly specialized optical packaging expert with a PhD and a background in transitioning R&D photonic designs into scalable manufacturing.

Work type: hybrid

Location: Mountain View, California

Salary: $197,000 – $285,000/yr

Type: Full-time

Summary

**Who this is for** A highly specialized optical packaging expert with a PhD and a background in transitioning R&D photonic designs into scalable manufacturing. **Key highlights** You will lead the prototyping lifecycle for cutting-edge co-packaged optics used in next-generation long-range Lidar systems. **You might be a good fit if you...** - Hold a PhD in Photonics, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering with 7+ years of industry R&D experience. - Have expertise in optoelectronic package design and component qualification processes like GR-468. - Are skilled in failure mode analysis and executing Design of Experiments (DOE) for process optimization. - Have experience successfully launching products from R&D into a manufacturing environment.

Job Description

Who we are

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.

[The Aurora Driver](https://aurora.tech/aurora-driver) will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone.

At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit [aurora.tech](https://aurora.tech/) or follow us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/auroradriver).

What we are looking for

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all.

We’re searching for a Senior Staff Optical Packaging Engineer to join the Lidar Research Integration team. As we transition our next-generation Photonic Engine from concept to reality, you will lead the charge in owning the full prototyping lifecycle for our cutting-edge co-packaged optics. You will play a pivotal role in transforming advanced R&D into scalable, world-changing hardware, shaping the next era of autonomous sensing technology within an elite, multi-disciplinary environment.

In this role you will

Lead the optical package design for the Photonic Engine utilized in the FirstLight long-range Lidar system.

Conduct thorough reliability and failure modes analysis for packaging designs.

Optimize manufacturing processes and troubleshoot issues by developing and executing comprehensive Design of Experiments (DOE).

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prototype and deliver the next generation of the Photonic Engine.

Required qualifications

PhD in Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a closely related field.

Minimum of 7 years of industry R&D experience, successfully transitioning the mechanical design of optoelectronic packages into manufacturing environments.

Demonstrated experience with diverse optical components (e.g., gratings, mirrors, lenses) and reliable attachment techniques (e.g., epoxy and solder-based methods).

Expert-level knowledge of component qualification processes (e.g., GR-468), product reliability testing, and statistical analysis tools.

Proven track record in failure mode analysis and resolution for component and optical-packaging failures.

Desirable qualifications

Strong command of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) for process optimization and comprehensive root cause analysis.

Proven experience with the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, encompassing design, verification, qualification, and successful release to manufacturing.

The base salary range for this position is$197,000 - $285,000 per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

Working at AuroraAt Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together — all without any jerks.

We believe in-person work increases collaboration, empathy and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, we operate in a hybrid work environment where Aurorans are in office at least 3 days per week.

Our[ Careers page](https://aurora.tech/careers) provides insight into what it is like to work at Aurora, and you can find all the latest updates in our [Newsroom](https://aurora.tech/newsroom).

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