Acceler8 Talent is proud to partner with a well-funded, VC-backed AI networking hardware startup in the SF Bay Area that’s redefining infrastructure for the world’s largest hyperscalers. Operating under a Joint Development Model (JDM), this company co-develops highly customized networking hardware, software, and optics solutions tailored to the evolving needs of large-scale AI workloads. With over $610M in funding and rapid expansion underway, they are seeking a Hardware Product Engineer – Optics & Cables to own the qualification, reliability, manufacturing readiness, and long-term strategy of critical interconnect technologies powering next-generation AI networking platforms. Responsibilities • Lead qualification, reliability, and manufacturing readiness activities for high-speed optical transceivers, fiber optic assemblies, and cable solutions. • Develop and execute validation plans to ensure long-term optical performance and field reliability. • Define inspection, cleaning, assembly, and handling processes for optical components across internal and contract manufacturing environments. • Partner with hardware, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams to establish best practices for optics integration and deployment. • Evaluate and qualify new optics and cable suppliers, providing technical guidance on supplier selection and manufacturing capabilities. • Investigate failure modes, develop reliability test plans, and implement corrective actions to improve product robustness. • Influence future interconnect technology roadmaps through evaluation of emerging optical and cable technologies. Requirements • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline. • 8+ years of experience in optical product engineering, optical NPI, manufacturing engineering, reliability engineering, or related fields. • Hands-on experience with high-speed networking optics and cable technologies, including 400G+ optical transceivers and interconnect systems. • Strong understanding of optical component manufacturing processes, qualification methodologies, and reliability testing. • Experience developing qualification plans, reliability test strategies, and failure analysis methodologies for optics or cable products. • Knowledge of optical connector technologies, transceiver architectures, and common optical failure mechanisms. • Experience working directly with suppliers and contract manufacturers to improve product quality and manufacturing readiness. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with automated optical inspection systems, BERT testing, and optical validation tools. • Familiarity with optical manufacturing environments, cleanroom processes, and fiber handling best practices. • Experience evaluating next-generation interconnect technologies such as co-packaged optics, active copper solutions, and advanced optical architectures. • Knowledge of industry standards and qualification frameworks for high-speed optical networking products.