Photonics Validation Engineer
$170,000–$250,000 year
On-siteSunnyvale, California, United States
Job Summary
Build test benches and automated test setups from scratch for photonics systems, components, and packaged opto-electronic devices. Design, execute, and refine test plans across wafer, chip, eval board, and sub-module levels while performing spectrum, noise, and FFT-based signal analysis. Validate coherent communication systems and modules, then conduct failure analysis to root-cause device and system issues across optical, electrical, and firmware layers. Troubleshoot test setups, analyze data to characterize performance, and interface with EIC controls and FPGA/ASIC teams to drive issues from detection to resolution. Document procedures and support the transition of test methodologies from R&D into high-volume manufacturing.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or a related field
- 3–7 years of relevant industry or applied research experience in photonics validation, optical testing, or opto-electronic systems
- Hands-on experience testing photonic or opto-electronic components, subsystems, or packaged modules
- Experience building test benches, fixtures, or automated test setups from the ground up
- Strong failure-analysis and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to isolate root causes across optical, electrical, and firmware domains
- Hands-on experience with optical and electrical lab equipment, including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and optical power meters
- Proficiency in data analysis, automation, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
- Working knowledge of coherent optical communication principles
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines
Desired Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D.
- Experience interfacing with EIC controls, firmware, or embedded software during test bring-up
- Experience with FPGA- or ASIC-based test environments and validation workflows
- Experience with spectrum, noise, or FFT-based signal analysis
- Background in free-space optics, micro-optics, photonics packaging, or III-V semiconductor physics
- Experience transitioning test methodologies from R&D into manufacturing or high-volume production
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