Senior Optical Engineer

Cantos Ventures; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full health benefits

Equity package

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Inpho seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to lead characterization and validation of InP-based optical components and photonic chips. You will own device-level test setups, work with Keysight and Anritsu equipment, and build Python tools to interpret complex data.

You will collaborate with design and test teams to define repeatable characterization methods and ensure benchmarks are met in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Strong background in optical networking or photonics.
• Experience with high‑speed test equipment setup and debugging.
• Proven ability to analyze complex measurement data.

Responsibilities

• Set up and analyze time-domain and frequency-domain measurements.
• Own EVT/DVT planning, execution, and sign-off for high‑speed components.
• Characterize interactions between transimpedance amplifiers and photodetectors.
• Configure electro-optical measurements across pad configurations and geometries.
• Develop data visualization tools in Python for performance data.
• Collaborate with design and test teams to refine methods and troubleshoot.

Skills

Python scripting

Data analysis

Leadership

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Keysight equipment

Anritsu equipment

Python (Pandas/Plotly)

Job description

About Inpho

Inpho is a fast-growing scale-up, 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 Senior Optical Engineer to lead characterization and validation of Inpho's next-generation InP-based optical components and photonic chips. This role suits an autonomous problem solver and proactive doer who can own device-level test and characterization from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, execute, and analyze time-domain, frequency-domain, chirp, linewidth, RIN, and spectral measurements.
• Own EVT/DVT planning, execution, and technical sign-off, including defining test coverage and acceptance criteria for high-speed InP Modulators, EMLs and photodetectors, and novel next generation opto-electronic components, ensuring all performance benchmarks are met.
• Bring up TIA evaluation boards and characterize the interaction between transimpedance amplifiers and photodetectors.
• Configure and reconfigure electro-optical measurements for EAM, EML, and PD devices across a range of pad configurations and geometries, using state-of-the‑art equipment (Keysight, Anritsu, and similar), including calibration, troubleshooting, temperature stages, and alignment tolerances.
• Use Python to build and improve data visualization and analysis tools that make complex performance data easy for the team to interpret: for example, extracting fiber alignment values or C/L/R from S-parameters, and moving confidently between S-, Y-, and Z-parameter representations.
• Work closely with both the design and test teams to refine. characterization methods and troubleshoot device-level issues.
• Take the lead in defining characterization methodology to ensure repeatable, defensible results — including distinguishing device performance from equipment artifacts, and recognizing when idealized parameters break down in practical measurements.
• Take ownership of high‑speed test equipment, including configuration, calibration, troubleshooting, and vendor interactions (Keysight, Anritsu, and others).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of hands‑on experience in optical networking or related photonics/opto‑electronic engineering roles, including IMDD and PAM4 testing.
• Hands‑on lab experience validating and characterizing InP optical components and transceivers/pluggables.
• Proven expertise setting up and debugging high‑speed test equipment and Python‑based data analysis (Pandas, Plotly, or similar).
• Strong problem‑solving and data analysis skills, with proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting/analysis tools.
• Familiarity with semiconductor device operation and physics including laser, modulator and detectors.

Soft Skills

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a fast‑paced engineering team.
• High attention to detail, exceptional analytical skills and proven ability to mentor developing engineers.
• Strong leadership, cross‑functional communication, and technical decision‑making ability.
• A continuous learner who stays current with the field.

Why Join Inpho?

• Be part of a mission‑driven startup shaping the future of photonics.
• Competitive salary, full health benefits and equity packages, flexible work environment, and career growth opportunities.

Come work with a dynamic, high‑talent team to design and commercialize the highest performance opto‑electronic chips in the world!

Additional Information

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The expected compensation range for this position is CAD$175,000 - $200,000 annually. Actual compensation offered for this position will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s skills, level, experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.

Inpho may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support aspects of the recruitment process, including candidate screening and assessment. All final hiring decisions are made by Inpho’s Hiring Team.

Inpho is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Inpho Human Resources at [e-mail]

We thank all candidates for their interest in Inpho. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.