Design Characterization Engineer

Job Description

We are hiring a Design Characterization Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will perform in-depth characterization of laser and silicon photonics solutions for highly scaled AI datacom applications, ranging from laser dies and components to control ICs and packaged multi-chip modules. You will work closely with our photonics design team as well as cross-disciplinary engineering teams to model measurement results, analyze system performance, and identify and solve challenges in device characterization and prototyping. This role requires strong laboratory experience in integrated photonics and fiber optics, as well as expertise in photonics and electronics testing, measurement, and data analysis. Analytical skills, problem-solving, and the ability to clearly communicate and document your findings are essential.

Join a tight-knit team where each individual’s contributions directly influence the success of the company and product. You'll have the opportunity to build innovative photonics solutions from the ground up and tackle groundbreaking challenges. Work with people who love to build and who thrive in diverse technical environments where great ideas are prioritized.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the architecture and design teams to understand expected component capabilities and testing needs, debug measurement and performance challenges, and update device models based on measurement results.
• Collaborate with the product engineering team to utilize standard test setups and protocols, as well as develop new test infrastructure and approaches. 
• Identify challenges and close the design feedback loop with early prototyping and feasibility studies to optimize performance.
• Develop and implement test protocols to evaluate and compare different engineering approaches.
• Maintain testing equipment and develop automations to improve efficiency.
• Analyze test data, document results, and provide feedback to the design team.
• Document and communicate (orally and in written form) methodologies, data, and analyses.
• Bringup of photonics test equipment, test setups, and photonic system prototypes and modules.
• Measure impact of device specifications on performance of high speed communication links: BERT, OSNR.

Requirements:

• M.S. or PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in integrated photonics test development, preferably silicon photonics.
• Experience in die-level and wafer-scale testing.
• Experience working with test equipment including benchtop lasers, VNA, optical switches, OSA, ESA, BERT, optical and electrical spectrum analyzers, high speed oscilloscopes (DCA), source-meter units, reference transmitters and receivers, and/or OBR etc.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python for test automation and device modeling.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills to identify and solve issues during the testing process.
• Ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders with strong and clear communication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in silicon photonics and/or laser device design and modeling.
• Experience in characterization of lasers and SOAs, including measurements of the optical spectrum, noise characterization, thermal dependence, and reliability.
• Experience bringing up lab equipment and experimental setups for testing lasers/SOAs.