Photonic Test Engineer

Acceler8Talent is proud to partner with a well-funded, photonics startup in the Washington DC area that is transforming next-generation optical microsystems aimed at transforming traditional laser markets. Founded by established leaders in integrated photonics, it is an agile startup driving innovation at the cutting edge of optics. Leveraging heterogeneous photonics, its technology enables products with exceptional performance and significant advantages in cost, size, and functionality for applications in communications, sensing, and quantum technologies. The team consists of top-tier engineers and scientists committed to delivering breakthrough capabilities and addressing real-world challenges.

They are looking for a Photonics Test Engineer with expertise in the characterization and control of photonic integrated circuits and have a proven ability to apply this knowledge in practice. In addition, they will understand how to design, bring up, and utilize photonic test infrastructure to enable new characterization and analysis capabilities. As a key team member, you will refine and deliver products, propose and lead technical efforts, collaborate with cross-functional teams and state-of-the-art foundries, and report directly to senior leadership.

Does not support Visa sponsorship 

What You’ll Do:

• Perform optical and electrical testing of photonic integrated circuits at the wafer, die, package, and system levels
• Analyze data, generate test reports, and synthesize results to inform future design and process development iterations
• Interact with vendors to procure laboratory supplies and equipment
• Shape the company’s future by building laboratory capabilities, leading new activities, and supporting ongoing research

What You Bring:

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a similar field
• No commercial experience required with Ph.D., 2+ years of experience with Master’s degree
• Experience with test and characterization of photonic integrated circuits
• Scripting and automation tools such as Python and Matlab
• Expertise with optical and electrical measurement equipment, fiber optics, free-space optics, and optoelectronic components
• Deep knowledge of heat transfer and real-world thermal system design

Desired Experience:

• Laser measurement experience including RIN, linewidth, feedback sensitivity, and lifetime
• Laser cavity stabilization techniques such as self-injection locking and PDH
• Nonlinear optics including optical down-conversion and frequency combs