Photonics Validation Engineer

PHOTONICS VALIDATION ENGINEER

High-volume photonics manufacturing requires validation strategies that catch issues early and hold the line on quality as production ramps. We are seeking a Photonics Validation Engineer to define and lead test processes for our photonic integrated circuits across wafer, die, and module levels. You will own the validation lifecycle—developing automated test solutions, identifying performance and yield drivers, and partnering with design and supplier teams to ensure every component that ships meets the standards our technology demands.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with PIC design, electrical, mechanical, and test teams to define test processes and coverage for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) across wafer, die, and integrated module test levels
• Lead identification and mitigation of test risks specifically for PICs and lasers
• Contribute to optical components development and validation for next generation products
• Measure and characterize PIC optical and electrical building blocks
• Develop and automate test solutions for lab validation, quality screening, and manufacturing metrology
• Specify and develop test fixtures in collaboration with optical, electrical, and mechanical teams
• Specify and develop test software in collaboration with optical, electrical, test software, and firmware teams
• Work with internal engineering teams and suppliers to identify drivers of performance, yield, reliability, and quality issues
• Interface with suppliers to provide technical feedback and test requirements to develop reliable processes

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in electrical engineering, computer engineering, optical engineering, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of hands-on industry experience in validation and high-volume test of PIC products
• Proven experience with optical interconnects and silicon photonics test and manufacturing workflows
• Hands-on experience with electro-optic wafer- and die-level test systems
• Hands-on familiarity with optical/RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, VNAs, VSGs, high-speed oscilloscopes, BERTs)
• 1+ years of programming experience (e.g., C++, LabVIEW, and/or Python)
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• PhD in electrical engineering, computer engineering, optical engineering, or a related discipline
• Test automation software development experience (e.g., Python/PyVISA, MATLAB, or similar)
• Familiarity with DSP concepts (e.g., FFE, DFE, CTLE) and optical communications metrics (e.g., OSNR, receiver sensitivity, OMA, optical filtering)
• Experience defining supplier test requirements and driving supplier execution for production ramps
• Experience writing test plans and procedures, and delivering go/no-go decisions with clear rationale

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Photonics Validation Engineer: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/per year

Title and base salary are determined on a case by case basis commensurate with experience and merit.

In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes:

• Eligibility for long-term incentives including company stock options and discretionary bonuses awarded for exceptional achievements.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance with significant cost covered by the company for yourself and dependents.
• Paid parental leave and flexible PTO (3 weeks accrued vacation and 10 company holidays per year).
• 401(k) retirement plan access.
• Relocation assistance to sunny Los Angeles.