Senior Staff Optical Packaging Engineer

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.