# Optical Network Engineer

**Company:** [OpenAI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/openai)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** Other
**Salary:** $342k – $445k/yr
**Skills:** Im/Dd, Lasers, Optical Interconnects, Optical Testing, Optical Validation, Laser Engineering, Optical Components, Debugging, Optical Subsystems, Manufacturing Readiness
**Posted:** 2026-03-18

> Leads laser-related work and optical validation for large-scale AI compute systems' interconnects. Requires hands-on experience with IM/DD technologies, laser engineering, supplier collaboration, and data-driven debugging.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Drive laser-focused requirements and technical direction within the broader optical interconnect roadmap.
- Lead evaluation and validation of optical components and subsystems, including laser-based elements, in lab and production-representative environments.
- Support end-to-end optical testing for IM/DD interconnects (e.g., module/system bring-up, characterization, debug, and readiness for scale).
- Work with external partners to align on development milestones, performance targets, and quality expectations.
- Own technical issue triage and resolution across performance, reliability, and manufacturability topics.
- Collaborate across internal teams to support integration, rollout, and operational success at scale.

## Requirements
- Strong experience in laser-focused optical engineering (development, validation, manufacturing readiness, or field support).
- Broad hands-on background with **IM/DD** optical technologies and optical test/debug workflows.
- Experience working with external suppliers/manufacturing partners and production-oriented execution.
- Demonstrated ability to debug complex technical issues using data-driven methods.
- Clear written and verbal communication; ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.

## Nice-to-Haves
- Advanced degree in a relevant engineering field preferred (or equivalent industry experience).

## Similar roles

- [Researcher, Safety & Privacy](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/17d76cba-3cf1-4ee2-8350-b95125286435) - OpenAI - San Francisco, CA - $295k – $445k/yr
- [Safeguards Enforcement Analyst, Access Controls & Identity](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/60c21486-9f75-456f-b022-4dbfd17c96c7) - Anthropic - San Francisco, CA - $285k – $330k/yr
- [Safeguards Enforcement Analyst, Cyber Harm](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/564e83f4-cb18-4b7d-a214-a3013eae2b23) - Anthropic - San Francisco, CA - $285k – $330k/yr
- [Safeguards Enforcement Analyst, Integrity & Authenticity](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/c273494b-2c98-4928-88dc-14ec308dd37e) - Anthropic - San Francisco, CA - $285k – $330k/yr
- [Legal Engineer](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/e74b3a20-9287-4a57-8ef1-bff4d4fd6ed4) - Harvey - New York, NY - $270k – $320k/yr

**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/40fdc08a-3b64-4369-b333-b9feeb743349
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/40fdc08a-3b64-4369-b333-b9feeb743349