Hardware Engineering Director - Optical Interconnects
HYPERLUME
Hardware Engineering Director – Optical Interconnects
Department: Hardware & Optical Systems
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Job Type: Full-time
Hyperlume is pioneering the future of AI infrastructure through revolutionary low-power, high-bandwidth optical interconnects using microLED and advanced packaging technologies. We’re looking for a Hardware Engineering Director to lead the design and productization of our next-generation active optical cables, enabling scalable optical connectivity for AI and HPC systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end development of high-speed optical pulggable cable systems (800G/1.6T and beyond) based on Hyperlume’s microLED platform.
- Drive system architecture, board-level design, packaging, and optical-electrical co-design from concept to pilot production for OSFP module and CPO platform.
- Build and manage a high-performance hardware team across disciplines: signal integrity, opto-electronics, thermal, mechanical, and system validation.
- Own the bring-up and testing of evaluation boards, cable assemblies, and early prototypes in close collaboration with silicon and optics teams.
- Define and implement validation strategies and manufacturing test plans for high-volume production readiness.
- Collaborate closely with external partners across silicon, packaging, and fiber optics ecosystem to align technical milestones.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD's in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in high-speed interconnects, optical modules, or cable development.
- Strong background in signal integrity, optical coupling, packaging integration, and system-level testing.
- Proven experience in leading cross-disciplinary engineering teams and delivering complex hardware products.
- Hands-on experience with pluggable form factors, active optical cables, or optical engines.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with 100G/200G/800G optical link budgets and link architectures.
- Familiarity with optical fiber coupling, VCSELs/microLEDs, photodiodes, and related packaging.
- Exposure to volume manufacturing, DVT, and compliance testing.
- Background in AI or HPC interconnect requirements is a plus.
Why Join Hyperlume?
At Hyperlume, you’ll work at the intersection of optics, electronics, and AI, helping shape the future of scalable and energy-efficient data center infrastructure. You'll have the opportunity to lead the hardware efforts for one of the most promising next-gen interconnect platforms—from prototype to product.
We’re backed by world-class investors including Intel Capital, LG, BDC, and ArcTern and are growing our presence in Canada, Taiwan, and the U.S.