Validation Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA
Validation Engineer jobs in San Jose are in strong demand, concentrated in North San Jose, the Golden Triangle, and the Alviso tech corridor, across semiconductor, medical device, and enterprise hardware sectors. Employers hiring right now include Etched, Astera Labs, and TikTok. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Validation Engineer JobsOverview
Open roles261+
Top employerEtched
Work type78% On-site
Top credentialBachelor's degree in electrical engineering
Companies hiring24
Showing 5 of 261+ Validation Engineer jobs
Sr. Staff Engineer, Laser Module Validation
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Added 3d ago
Ayar Labs
Sr. Staff Engineer, Laser Module Validation
San Jose, California
Added 3d ago
Staff Engineer, System Validation
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Added 3d ago
Ayar Labs
Staff Engineer, System Validation
San Jose, California
Added 3d ago
Validation Engineer - Semiconductor
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Added 4d ago
Tessolve
Validation Engineer - Semiconductor
San Jose, California
Added 4d ago
Sr. Systems Validation Engineer
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Added 6d ago
Super Micro Computer, Inc.
Sr. Systems Validation Engineer
San Jose, California
Added 6d ago
System Validation Engineer
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Added 6d ago
Super Micro Computer, Inc.
System Validation Engineer
San Jose, California
Added 6d ago
Added 3d ago
Sr. Staff Engineer, Laser Module Validation
Ayar Labs·San Jose, California
Job functions:
$180k - $223k/yr
On-Site
Master's degree in physics
Job Description
Sr. Staff Engineer, Laser Module Validation
Location: San Jose (on-site)
Location: San Jose (on-site)
Ayar Labs is transforming AI infrastructure with the industry's first proven co-packaged optics (CPO) solution, manufactured in partnership with the world's leading semiconductor ecosystem.
Backed by industry leaders including NVIDIA, AMD, MediaTek and Intel, our technology moves data at the speed of light — faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy consumed by conventional electrical interconnect.
Laser Module Validation Engineer is part of the product development team and is focused on engineering and design validation testing of multiwavelength laser sources for optical I/O and their subcomponents. The candidate will design, build, and set up validation test fixtures and test stations, carry out validation tests, and provide data sets and analysis needed for laser module design and optimization. Findings will be communicated to the internal team as well as to external suppliers and customers.
Essential Functions
- Work closely with architecture, design, and product engineering teams to verify and understand expected capabilities and testing needs.
- Design test fixtures and test probes, and set up test fixtures and test stations to support laser module characterization and validation.
- Work with mechanical design engineers to design and build test stations, including fixturing, alignment, and optomechanical layout.
- Configure and maintain instrument control and set up test recipes/sequences for automated data collection.
- Perform Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (GRR) studies to validate and qualify test station and measurement system performance.
- Close the design feedback loop and identify critical performance metrics with product development; perform feasibility studies to optimize laser source performance.
- Develop and implement test protocols to evaluate and compare different engineering approaches.
- Maintain testing equipment and develop processes to improve test efficiency.
- Analyze test data, document results, and provide feedback to the development team.
- Document and communicate data and analyses.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Understanding of semiconductor laser function and physics.
- 5+ years of industry experience in module-level, or chip-on-carrier characterization of lasers, LEDs, SOAs, including LIV, optical spectrum measurements, and thermal dependence.
- 5+ years of industry experience setting up and bringing up lab equipment and experimental setups for testing photonic devices.
- Ability to design test fixtures and test probes, and to set up test fixtures and test stations.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python for instrument control, test automation, data collection, and data analysis.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues during the testing process.
- Ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders with clear communication.
Preferred Qualifications
- MS or PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Laser test HW/fixture design and development experience; experience working with mechanical designers on test station design.
- Experience testing packaged laser modules and/or transceivers for datacom applications.
- Experience working with test equipment including benchtop lasers, VNA, switches, OSA, ESA, BERT, optical and electrical spectrum analyzers, high speed oscilloscopes (DCA), source-meter units, reference transmitters, and receivers.
- Experience with noise characterization and laser linewidth measurements, including RIN (Relative Intensity Noise), ONA (Optical Noise Analysis), and self-homodyne / self-heterodyne test setups.
- Experience with Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (GRR) studies and measurement system analysis.
- Preferred experience testing optical modules including electrical control hardware and firmware, and photonic module bring-up.
- Experience in process transfer from small volume/NPI to mass production.
Salary range: $180,000 - $223,000
NOTE TO RECRUITERS:
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don’t send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don’t send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.
Ayar Labs
Sr. Staff Engineer, Laser Module Validation
San Jose, California
Added 3d ago
Job functions:
$180k - $223k/yr
On-Site
Master's degree in physics
Job Description
Sr. Staff Engineer, Laser Module Validation
Location: San Jose (on-site)
Location: San Jose (on-site)
Ayar Labs is transforming AI infrastructure with the industry's first proven co-packaged optics (CPO) solution, manufactured in partnership with the world's leading semiconductor ecosystem.
Backed by industry leaders including NVIDIA, AMD, MediaTek and Intel, our technology moves data at the speed of light — faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy consumed by conventional electrical interconnect.
Laser Module Validation Engineer is part of the product development team and is focused on engineering and design validation testing of multiwavelength laser sources for optical I/O and their subcomponents. The candidate will design, build, and set up validation test fixtures and test stations, carry out validation tests, and provide data sets and analysis needed for laser module design and optimization. Findings will be communicated to the internal team as well as to external suppliers and customers.
Essential Functions
- Work closely with architecture, design, and product engineering teams to verify and understand expected capabilities and testing needs.
- Design test fixtures and test probes, and set up test fixtures and test stations to support laser module characterization and validation.
- Work with mechanical design engineers to design and build test stations, including fixturing, alignment, and optomechanical layout.
- Configure and maintain instrument control and set up test recipes/sequences for automated data collection.
- Perform Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (GRR) studies to validate and qualify test station and measurement system performance.
- Close the design feedback loop and identify critical performance metrics with product development; perform feasibility studies to optimize laser source performance.
- Develop and implement test protocols to evaluate and compare different engineering approaches.
- Maintain testing equipment and develop processes to improve test efficiency.
- Analyze test data, document results, and provide feedback to the development team.
- Document and communicate data and analyses.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Understanding of semiconductor laser function and physics.
- 5+ years of industry experience in module-level, or chip-on-carrier characterization of lasers, LEDs, SOAs, including LIV, optical spectrum measurements, and thermal dependence.
- 5+ years of industry experience setting up and bringing up lab equipment and experimental setups for testing photonic devices.
- Ability to design test fixtures and test probes, and to set up test fixtures and test stations.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python for instrument control, test automation, data collection, and data analysis.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues during the testing process.
- Ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders with clear communication.
Preferred Qualifications
- MS or PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Laser test HW/fixture design and development experience; experience working with mechanical designers on test station design.
- Experience testing packaged laser modules and/or transceivers for datacom applications.
- Experience working with test equipment including benchtop lasers, VNA, switches, OSA, ESA, BERT, optical and electrical spectrum analyzers, high speed oscilloscopes (DCA), source-meter units, reference transmitters, and receivers.
- Experience with noise characterization and laser linewidth measurements, including RIN (Relative Intensity Noise), ONA (Optical Noise Analysis), and self-homodyne / self-heterodyne test setups.
- Experience with Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (GRR) studies and measurement system analysis.
- Preferred experience testing optical modules including electrical control hardware and firmware, and photonic module bring-up.
- Experience in process transfer from small volume/NPI to mass production.
Salary range: $180,000 - $223,000
NOTE TO RECRUITERS:
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don’t send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don’t send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.
See All 261+ Validation Engineer Jobs in San Jose
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Find Validation Engineer JobsValidation Engineer Job Market in San Jose
Who's Hiring
- Etched36
- Astera Labs30
- TikTok24
- Ayar Labs24
- Super Micro Computer18
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware83
- Technology & Software24
- Telecommunications6
Validation Engineer Jobs in San Jose: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a validation engineer job in San Jose?
Focus your search on North San Jose and the Golden Triangle, where semiconductor fabs, medical device manufacturers, and enterprise hardware companies cluster most heavily. Hands-on experience with test automation frameworks, JTAG, or FDA validation protocols gives candidates a clear edge here. Targeting mid-size chipmakers and established medical device firms often yields faster responses than applying to the largest corporations alone.
Which companies hire validation engineers in San Jose?
San Jose validation engineer roles are posted by Etched, Astera Labs, and TikTok and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. The local market is driven heavily by semiconductor manufacturers, networking hardware companies, and medical device firms with engineering campuses concentrated in and around North San Jose.
Are there remote validation engineer jobs in San Jose?
Yes, though sparingly, since validation engineering often requires hands-on access to physical hardware, test benches, and controlled lab environments. About 22% of validation engineer openings tied to San Jose are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with flexibility most common in test planning, documentation, and software-driven validation roles rather than lab-based hardware testing.
How can I get a validation engineer job in San Jose with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Jose is a test technician or quality assurance associate role at one of the city's many mid-size semiconductor or medical device companies, which regularly hire candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Contract-to-hire positions at San Jose hardware firms are another common on-ramp, letting you build validation experience before moving into a full engineer title.
Which industries hire the most validation engineers in San Jose?
The sectors hiring the most validation engineers in San Jose are Electronics & Hardware, Technology & Software, and Telecommunications, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. San Jose's dense concentration of semiconductor fabs, networking hardware companies, and FDA-regulated medical device manufacturers makes it one of the highest-demand markets for this role in the country.
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See All 261+ Validation Engineer Jobs in San Jose
Find roles in San Jose that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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