Senior Principal Photonics Test Engineer

• Job Summary 

  We are seeking a highly technical and hands-on Senior Principal Photonics Test Engineer to serve as the technical authority for photonics test engineering across our product portfolio. This role will define end-to-end test architectures and drive advanced test development for silicon photonics devices, subsystems, and optical modules from early R&D through high-volume manufacturing. 

  The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in silicon photonics test methodologies, strong system-level thinking, and a proven ability to solve complex yield and performance challenges while building scalable, automated test solutions. 

  Key Responsibilities 

  • Define and own the end-to-end test architecture and test roadmap including wafer-level testing, package-level validation, optical engine and module characterization, as well as production and reliability testing. 
  • Lead the development of advanced wafer probe and package-level test solutions for silicon photonics devices and subsystems. 
  • Architect and implement automated test flows for engineering characterization, validation, and production. 
  • Design, develop, and implement optical test plans and procedures for co-packaged optics modules, including silicon photonics engines, laser sources, photodetectors, and optical fiber connectors. 
  • Debug and resolve yield issues and critical technical challenges, including electrical/optical performance failures, process & test induced variations. 
  • Develop and drive the hardware and software roadmap for next-generation optical test systems. 
  • Collaborate across cross-functional organizations such as silicon and photonics design teams, packaging, validation, reliability and qualification teams. 
  • Define and implement test and yield analytics frameworks to accelerate yield learning and root cause identification. 
  • Provide deep technical input in Design-for-Test (DfT) and product development reviews.  
  • Define test specifications, acceptance criteria, and pass/fail limits based on IEEE, OIF, and internal standards 

   

  Required Qualifications 

  • MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related field.  
  • 10+ years of experience in optical testing, photonic device characterization, or optical transceiver module test. 
  • Strong understanding of silicon photonics devices (modulators, photodetectors, multiplexers, grating couplers, edge couplers), optical probing and fiber coupling, Electro-Optical (EO) characterization, high-speed optical testing and BER measurement.  
  • Proven experience leading development of wafer-level and package-level optical test systems.  
  • Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or C/C++ for test automation 
  • Knowledge of optical communication standards (IEEE 802.3, OIF-CEI, CMIS) 
  • Familiarity with statistical analysis methods and data visualization tools. Strong experience debugging yield issues and complex system-level problems.  
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence across engineering disciplines. 

   

  Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience specifically with co-packaged optics or on-board optics architectures. 
  • Knowledge of 2.5D/3D packaging technologies (interposers, chiplets, UCIe etc.). 
  • Experience with external laser source (ELS) integration and characterization. 
  • Experience with ATE platforms and custom photonics test setups. 
  • Experience in transitioning test processes from lab/prototype to high-volume manufacturing (HVM) 
   

Salary range is $185,000 to $240,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.