Laser & PIC Reliability and Test Engineer

Cross International; Oost-Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Bronn Photonics, Ghent-based deep-tech startup, seeks a reliability and testing specialist to shape the strategy for lasers and photonic ICs. You will lead analysis of failure mechanisms, define testing plans, and build a robust reliability program with external labs and partners.

This role offers hands-on testing, collaboration with customers in data centers and telecom, and a chance to influence design decisions from ground up in a fast-growing company.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Semiconductor Physics or related field.
• PhD would be an asset.
• At least three years of industrial experience in photonic IC and/or laser reliability testing.
• Strong understanding of failure mechanisms in lasers and photonic ICs at high optical powers.
• Hands-on knowledge of relevant industry standards, such as JEDEC and Telcordia.
• Experience within datacom, telecom or a related industrial photonics environment.
• A practical and hands-on approach to testing and technology development.
• The flexibility and entrepreneurial mindset needed in a fast-paced start-up.

Responsibilities

• Define the strategy required to meet product specifications and reliability standards.
• Identify potential failure mechanisms in lasers and PICs operating at high optical power.
• Develop risk-mitigation approaches and testing methods.
• Contribute to laser, PIC and integration-flow design decisions based on reliability insights.
• Define which testing and reliability capabilities should be built internally, purchased or outsourced.
• Design and help build the required characterization and reliability setups.
• Manage collaborations with external reliability laboratories and test service providers.
• Interact with future customers, including integrated device manufacturers and hyperscalers.
• Translate customer requirements into device specifications, characterization plans and test campaigns.
• Develop pragmatic test cycles that enable fast learning and continuous design improvement.
• Contribute hands-on to laser and PIC testing at different stages of development and manufacturing flow.
• Build the databases, documentation and reporting structure needed to monitor product performance during development and future production.

Skills

Photonics

Laser reliability testing

Reliability testing

Test-data management

Electro-optical testing

Laser design

Coatings knowledge

Entrepreneurial mindset

Datacom/telecom experience

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Semiconductor Physics

PhD (asset)

Tools

Test equipment familiarity

JEDEC/Telcordia standards

Job description

Join a promising deep-tech company at a pivotal stage in its growth journey.

Bronn Photonics is an innovative technology start-up based in Ghent and Silicon Valley. They operate at the intersection of photonics, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The company develops advanced light engines for optical interconnects in data centers. As AI continues to expand rapidly, the demand for faster and more energy-efficient data transmission is increasing exponentially, creating a strong international market opportunity for its technology.

The company is led by experienced founders with strong technological, business and academic backgrounds and is currently building its core team. As a spin-out from the Photonics Research Group, the company leverages world-leading position in integrated photonics at imec & Ghent University. Research, development and prototyping are based in Ghent. The company's ambitions and future market reach are distinctly international with business and product management lead from California.

You will join an entrepreneurial start-up environment with short decision lines and the opportunity to make a visible impact from day one. This is a unique chance to help shape both the technology and the organisation as they grow.

Your impact:

You will:

• Define the strategy required to meet product specifications and industry reliability standards
• Identify potential failure mechanisms in lasers and photonic integrated circuits operating at high optical power
• Develop risk-mitigation approaches and appropriate testing methods
• Contribute to laser, PIC and integration-flow design decisions based on reliability insights
• Define which testing and reliability capabilities should be built internally, purchased or outsourced
• Design and help build the required characterisation and reliability setups
• Manage collaborations with external reliability laboratories and test service providers
• Interact with future customers, including integrated device manufacturers and hyperscalers
• Translate customer requirements into device specifications, characterisation plans and test campaigns
• Develop pragmatic test cycles that enable fast learning and continuous design improvement
• Contribute hands‑on to laser and PIC testing at different stages of the development and manufacturing flow
• Build the databases, documentation and reporting structure needed to monitor product performance during development and future production

Your profile:

You hold a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Semiconductor Physics or a related field. A relevant PhD would be an asset.

You also bring:

• At least three years of industrial experience in photonic IC and/or laser reliability testing
• A strong understanding of failure mechanisms in lasers and photonic ICs at high optical powers
• Hands‑on knowledge of relevant industry standards, such as JEDEC and Telcordia
• Experience within datacom, telecom or a related industrial photonics environment
• A practical and hands‑on approach to testing and technology development
• The flexibility and entrepreneurial mindset needed in a fast‑paced start‑up
• Experience with electro‑optical assembly, OSAT partners, electro‑optical device testing, test‑data management, laser design or laser facet coatings would be a strong advantage.

You will join an ambitious deep‑tech company at a crucial point in its growth. This role offers the opportunity to define the reliability and testing strategy from the ground up and to have a direct impact on both the technology and its path towards industrialisation.

The preferred location for this role is Ghent, Belgium, with an on‑site presence. Relocation can be discussed.