Optical Network Engineer

About this role

OpenAI's Hardware organization seeks an experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead laser and optical interconnect development for AI-native supercomputing systems. This role combines strategic direction-setting with hands-on validation of optical components, from lab characterization through production deployment at scale.

What you'll do

• Set laser requirements and technical direction for optical interconnect roadmap
• Evaluate and validate optical components and subsystems in lab and production environments
• Conduct end-to-end optical testing for IM/DD interconnects including module bring-up and debugging
• Coordinate with external partners on development milestones and performance targets
• Triage and resolve technical issues across performance, reliability, and manufacturability
• Support integration and operational success of optical systems at scale

What they're looking for

• Laser-focused optical engineering and development
• IM/DD optical technologies and test/debug workflows
• Supplier and manufacturing partner collaboration
• Complex technical troubleshooting with data-driven methods
• Cross-functional communication and stakeholder influence
• Lab characterization and optical validation
• Production-oriented execution and manufacturing readiness
• Hardware integration and system-level thinking