Photonics Test Development Engineer
About the role
We are seeking a highly motivated Photonics Test Development Engineer to develop the optical test and characterization workflows for integrated photonic devices central to our technology platform. In this hands-on, high-ownership role, you will own the development of optical test infrastructure to enable rapid and automated testing of our photonic interconnects—comprising PICs, lasers, and superconducting photon detectors. You will identify custom measurement solutions tailored to unique needs, perform rigorous device characterization of sub-components, and provide feedback to design and integration teams to improve device performance. This role offers substantial influence on the pace and direction of our hardware development.
Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end optical test development for cryogenic photonic networks—from setup development to test plan definition.
- Design, build, and automate optical, electrical, and optoelectronic test setups and develop custom measurement solutions for chip- and package-level device characterization, including fiber-to-chip coupling and alignment automation.
- Perform rigorous characterization of passive SiN photonic components: gratings, splitters, couplers, and mode converters—including insertion loss, coupling efficiency, splitting ratio, bandwidth, and polarization extinction ratio measurements.
- Characterize active devices such as integrated lasers, amplifiers, and superconducting single photon detectors.
- Document test methods and communicate findings through concise reports, presentations, and design reviews.
- Create methods and systems for data acquisition and processing.
- Collaborate closely with multiple technical teams to accelerate development cycles.
Requirements
- BS, MS, or PhD in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.
- Hands-on experience designing, assembling, and automating optical test and characterization setups.
- Experience with optical and electro-optical characterization of photonic devices, including fiber coupling, grating coupler measurements, waveguide loss measurements, and photodetector testing.
- Knowledge of laser device physics and practical experience with laser characterization.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced research and development environment.
- Proficiency in Python for test automation, instrument control, and data analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with SNSPD or single-photon detector characterization.
- Experience with cryostats and cryogenic optical or electrical measurements.
- Experience with automated photonic probe stations and wafer-level testing.
- Experience with databases and structured test-data management systems.
Benefits
- Meaningful equity ownership in an early-stage deep tech company.
- Employer-matched 401(k).
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Flexible PTO.
- Support for ongoing learning, conference attendance, and skill development.
Pay
Base salary range: $140,000–$180,000, depending on experience and qualifications.