Semiconductor Photonics Technologist

Inpho; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Inpho, a fast-growing photonics startup in Canada, is seeking a hands-on Semiconductor Photonics Technologist to support daily lab operations. You will manage equipment readiness, calibration, inventory, and documentation while collaborating with the Lab Manager and engineering teams in a fast-paced environment.

You thrive on hands-on work, value 5S organization, and have 3+ years of experience in photonics labs.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in optical/photonics lab environments.
• Diploma or degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Photonics, Semiconductor Technology, Physics, or related field.
• Experience handling fragile semiconductors and photonic devices.
• Familiarity with lab test equipment and basic electrical/optical testing techniques.
• Strong documentation discipline and 5S compliance.

Responsibilities

• Support Lab Manager in daily operation of photonics lab and activities.
• Coordinate calibration schedules, service, preventative maintenance, and records.
• Assist with equipment setup, troubleshooting, organization, and lab readiness.
• Assist in inventory, packaging, material traceability, and supplier communication.
• Assist in asset inventory, consumable inventory, and lab documentation systems.
• Support laboratory safety, ESD compliance, cleanroom procedures, and audit readiness.
• Prepare, review, and maintain SOPs, work instructions, inspection criteria, and technical documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory operations, quality, reliability, and manufacturing support activities.
• Assist engineers with testing, qualification, reliability activities, and data collection as required.

Skills

Organization

Documentation

Independent work

Attention to detail

5S knowledge

Education

Electrical Engineering / Electronics / Photonics degree

Tools

CAD

Python

Test equipment

Calibration systems

Job description

Inpho is a fast-growing startup, focused on developing cutting-edge optoelectronic solutions for next-generation communications, and photonic systems. Our multidisciplinary team is pushing the boundaries of innovation in integrated photonics and semiconductor packaging.

Inpho’s new class of electro-photonic chips is poised to revolutionize and disrupt the optical interconnect market. Utilizing this new class of chips enables existing optical interconnect systems to be built at much lower cost, new architectures to be deployed that provide significantly higher price/performance, and a whole new generation of higher speed interconnect to be built that to date have been impossible.

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on Semiconductor Photonics Technologist to support the day-to-day operations of our photonics laboratory. This role is responsible for executing and sustaining laboratory processes including equipment readiness, inventory management, material flow, documentation control, and laboratory organization.

The successful candidate will independently manage routine laboratory activities while working closely with the Lab Manager and engineering teams to ensure a safe, organized, efficient, and well-maintained laboratory environment. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, takes pride in organization and 5S, and thrives in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Lab Manager in daily operation of photonics lab including engineering activities.
• Coordinate equipment calibration schedules, service activities, preventative maintenance, and calibration records.
• Assist with equipment setup, troubleshooting, organization, and laboratory readiness.
• Assist in inventory transactions, packaging, material traceability, and communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Assist in asset inventory, consumable inventory, and laboratory documentation systems.
• Support laboratory safety, ESD compliance, cleanroom procedures, and audit readiness.
• Prepare, review, and maintain SOPs, work instructions, inspection criteria, and technical documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory operations, quality, reliability, and manufacturing support activities.
• Assist engineers with testing, qualification, reliability activities, and data collection as required.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Photonics, Semiconductor Technology, Physics, or related technical field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience working in an optical or photonics cleanroom or photonics laboratory environment.
• Experience handling fragile semiconductors and photonic devices (e.g., wafer, bar, die, CoC, TO-can packages).
• Familiarity with laboratory test equipment and basic electrical and/or optical testing techniques is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and documentation discipline.
• Ability to work independently and follow established procedures and maintain 5S standards, organization, housekeeping, and visual management.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with semiconductor assembly, packaging, or basic mechanical characterization (e.g., wire bonding, die attach, die shear, wire pull, visual inspection). Familiarity with data analysis or test automation (e.g., Python, scripting tools).
• Exposure to reliability testing, qualification activities, or engineering laboratory environments is considered an asset.
• Exposure to equipment maintenance, calibration systems, or asset management tools.
• Exposure designing or modifying simple fixtures, holders, or adapters (CAD experience a plus).
• Demonstrated ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and quality documentation requirements.
• Strong documentation discipline with the ability to create, revise, and maintain SOPs, forms, and laboratory records.
• Ability to maintain traceability and accurate records in a regulated engineering environment.

Why Join Inpho?

• Be part of a mission-driven startup shaping the future of photonics.
• Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and career growth opportunities.

Come work with a dynamic, high-talent team to build and commercialize the highest performance photonics chips in the world!