Principal Embedded Controls Engineer

Principal Embedded Controls Engineer | Optical Systems | Los Angeles, CA | Circa $260,000
Location: Los Angeles, CA

An innovative technology company developing next-generation optical communication solutions for high-performance computing and AI infrastructure is seeking a Principal Embedded Controls Engineer. This organization is focused on advancing photonic integration and high-speed link architectures to overcome limitations in current data centre technologies.

The role involves designing and validating high-speed control systems that enable optical-domain signal processing, ensuring stable and reliable performance in next-generation optical transceivers.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement high-speed optical control systems using FPGA-based and embedded platforms.
• Develop and tune fast feedback loops for functions such as polarization and phase control.
• Analyse control system stability, bandwidth, and latency using time- and frequency-domain methods.
• Define control architectures, interfaces, and validation approaches.
• Lead system bring-up, debugging, and long-term performance validation.
• Collaborate with photonics and hardware teams to ensure system integration.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and oversight of firmware/control development.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Strong experience implementing high-speed feedback control systems on hardware (FPGA or similar).
• Deep understanding of control theory (stability, bandwidth, latency, PID, frequency analysis).
• Experience with mixed-signal systems (ADCs, DACs) and real-time constraints.
• Proven ability to debug complex physical systems and lead technical efforts.

Benefits:

• Salary: $180,000 - $260,000
• Holiday package
• Comprehensive benefits package