An Optical or Laser Engineer researches and develops technology that uses the science of light (optics). Optical technology includes fiber optic cables, which enable high-speed internet connections across long distances, and lasers, which can be used to make very small incisions and measurements. Works closely with scientists and engineers from other fields on advances in technology.
Skip to main content Jobs Teams Career Programs Working at Meta Blog Podcasts Jobs Optical Engineer, RTP, Test Software Architecture and Optics NPI Optical Engineer, RTP, Test Software Architecture and Optics NPI Menlo Park, CA Hardware + 3 more Apply now The Meta Hardware Design and Release to Production (Hardware Design and Release to Production) team ensures that the hardware running in Meta's production fleet is stable, secure, performant, and delivers the most value. Within HDRTP, the Release to Production New Product Introduction (Release to Production New Product Introduction) team finds, debugs, and remediates hardware failure modes before certifying new platforms for mass production, and then sustains them across the deployed lifecycle. We are looking for an Optical Engineer to drive optics validation within RTP-NPI — pairing deep optical-transceiver expertise with software engineering skills to build the Python-based test software infrastructure that qualifies optical communications modules and to lead optical transceiver NPI programs end to end. In this role, you will set technical direction for optics test automation, drive hands-on NPI execution with vendors and ODMs through
EVT/DVT/PVT
to mass production, and contribute to industry standards, vendor engagements, and ecosystem partnerships in optical networking. Optical Engineer, RTP, Test Software Architecture and Optics NPI Responsibilities Architect, build, and maintain Python-based test software infrastructure and frameworks for automated qualification of optical transceivers and subsystems (EVT/DVT/PVT/characterization), spanning instrument drivers, switch/host abstractions, and results pipelines Lead optics NPI programs end to end, working closely with optics vendors and ODMs from RFI/RFP through
EVT/DVT/PVT
to mass production (MP) ramp and sustaining Find, debug, and remediate optical hardware failure modes before certifying modules for mass production; drive root-cause analysis and corrective action with vendors and ODMs Stand up and own NPI test stations in Meta's lab regions: integrate modules, switches, and instruments, and debug at-scale, lights-out test execution Define test and measurement methodologies for high-speed optical technologies, and translate them into reusable, well-tested automation Develop instruments, automation, and integration (BERT, OSA, optical power/wavelength meters, scopes) and CMIS register-level module control Ensure new optical platforms are supported by production and fleet-health tooling, and contribute to production-readiness documentation (PRD), Best Known Configuration (BKC), and Design-for-Test (DFT) Drive data integrity and analysis: build robust data capture, storage, and visualization (e.g., interactive data exploration tools, data visualization and analytics platforms) so that test and fleet results are trustworthy, queryable, and actionable Provide sustaining support after deployment — validate stability, security, and performance under production workloads, and refine understanding of failure characteristics at scale Set engineering standards for the test software stack — code review, CI, version control, type checking, and documentation — and mentor engineers and technicians Collaborate across SW, Thermal, Mechanical, EE, Signal Integrity, FPGA, TPM, and Production Engineering teams to integrate optics into systems Interface with the industry, contribute to the RFI/RFP process, and shape product requirements, test plans, and data sheets Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience 8+ years in development roles for optical networking hardware, with a proven track record of taking new products into volume production Demonstrated experience in designing and building production-quality test software (not just scripts) in Python, including modular, reusable test frameworks Hands-on experience with high-speed optical and electrical test, test automation, and lab instrumentation Experience leading optical transceiver NPI programs with vendors and/or ODMs Preferred Qualifications Experience with version control (Git/Mercurial), large monorepo workflows, and collaborative/distributed software development environments Familiarity with data center network architecture, fleet health/sustaining concepts, and high-volume manufacturing test flows Willingness to work hands-on in the lab and to travel to vendor, ODM, and manufacturing sites as needed to support NPI builds Experience creating or influencing product requirements documents (PRDs), test plans, and data sheets Expertise in optical test and measurement: BER/FEC, pre-FEC/post-FEC analysis, eye diagrams, TDECQ, OSNR, optical spectrum, and link budgets Data engineering for test and fleet health: schema design, database/warehouse persistence, dashboards, and statistical analysis of measurement data (e.g., NumPy, pandas, SQL) Experience with optical integration including InP PICs, silicon-photonic PICs, PIC-IC integration, and 3D optical packaging technologies Experience driving NPI milestones (EVT/DVT/PVT/MTF), production-readiness reviews, and transferring test infrastructure to contract manufacturers / ODM factory lines (including dual-ODM strategies) Experience building instrument-control and test-automation frameworks (e.g., SCPI/VISA, PyVISA, vendor APIs) and abstracting heterogeneous instruments behind clean interfaces Proficiency in Python software engineering: object-oriented design, abstraction layers, type hints, unit/integration testing, code review, and CI/CD discipline Familiarity with additional languages is useful: C/C++, MATLAB, or Rust Ability to set technical direction across a multi-quarter NPI program, define scope and priorities when requirements are incomplete, and align cross-functional and external partners (vendors, ODMs, TPM, Production Engineering) Track record of mentoring engineers, improving engineering practices through code reviews, documentation, and technical standards, and influencing without direct authority Deep knowledge of pluggable optical transceivers and form factors (QSFP-DD, OSFP, QSFP112) and the CMIS management interface Experience with advanced modulation formats and direct-detect and coherent systems (e.g., OOK, PAM-4, QPSK, 8-QAM, 16-QAM) and related concepts About Meta Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics. For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information.
United States of America:
$173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta. Equal Employment Opportunity Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here . Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, fill out the Accommodations request form . Apply for this job Take the first step toward a rewarding career at Meta. Apply now
