R&D Photonics Test Engineer

Advanced Fiber Resources Milan S.r.l.; San Donato Milanese; Remote; EUR 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Advanced Fiber Resources Milan S.r.l. is seeking an R&D Photonics Test Engineer to advance thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) technology for next-generation telecom and datacom applications.

The successful candidate will perform optical and electro‑optical characterization of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) throughout the development cycle, setting up laboratory measurement systems, executing procedures, and analyzing data.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or related field with 1–3 years' experience.
• Foundational photonics knowledge, especially PICs and waveguides.
• Hands-on experience with tunable lasers, power meters, and optical spectrum analyzers.
• Programming in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and test automation.

Responsibilities

• Perform optical and electro‑optical characterization of photonic integrated circuits for telecom and datacom.
• Execute measurements at wafer-, chip-, and packaged-module levels.
• Develop and improve test procedures for device functionality and performance.
• Characterize parameters: insertion loss, optical transmission, polarization, EO response.
• Support high-speed photonic devices testing using optical, electrical, and RF techniques.
• Analyze results, identify limitations, and support root-cause investigations.
• Compare results with design expectations and collaborate with design/fabrication teams.
• Maintain clear, structured documentation of tests and findings.

Skills

Photonics fundamentals

Python programming

MATLAB

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Physics/Photonics/Optical Eng

PhD in Photonics (preferred)

Tools

Tunable lasers

Optical power meters

Optical spectrum analyzers

Photodetectors

Polarization controllers

Fiber-optic coupling systems

Wafer probing equipment

RF measurement equipment

Job description

We are seeking an R&D Photonics Test Engineer to join our development team working on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) technology for next-generation telecom and datacom applications.

The successful candidate will be responsible for performing optical and electro-optical characterization of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and related devices throughout the development cycle, from wafer-level testing to individual chips and packaged modules. The role requires a hands‑on engineer who can set up and operate laboratory measurement systems, execute characterization procedures, analyze experimental data, and contribute to the development of reliable and efficient testing methodologies.

Working closely with design, fabrication, and process engineers, the candidate will investigate device behavior, evaluate performance against design expectations, and support the identification of potential performance limitations and process‑related issues.

Success in this role requires a solid foundation in integrated photonics, a practical approach to experimental work, and a strong interest in understanding how device design and fabrication influence measured performance.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform optical and electro‑optical characterization of photonic integrated circuits and related devices for telecom and datacom applications
• Execute measurements at different stages of the development cycle, including wafer‑level, chip‑level, and packaged‑module testing
• Develop, implement, and improve test procedures to evaluate device functionality and performance
• Characterize relevant photonic device parameters, including optical transmission, insertion loss, polarization dependence, and electro‑optical response
• Support the characterization of high‑speed photonic devices, including modulators and related components, using appropriate optical, electrical, and RF measurement techniques
• Analyze experimental results, identify performance limitations or unexpected device behavior, and support root‑cause investigations
• Compare measurement results with design expectations and collaborate with design and fabrication teams to understand performance variations
• Maintain clear and structured documentation of test procedures, measurement results, and technical findings

Job Requirements

• Master's degree in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related discipline + 1–3 years of relevant professional experience in integrated photonics
• Foundational knowledge of photonics and optical principles, with a focus on photonic integrated circuits
• Previous experience with photonic integrated circuits, optical waveguides, electro‑optic modulators, or related photonic devices
• Hands‑on experience with optical measurement equipment, such as tunable lasers, optical power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, photodetectors, polarization controllers, and fiber‑optic coupling systems
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages for scientific computing, data analysis, or test automation
• Ability to work effectively in an international and multidisciplinary team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering
• Previous experience with commercial large‑scale integrated photonic circuit testing developments
• Previous experience building optical testing setups and systems for integrated photonic devices
• Experience with wafer probing
• Experience with automated wafer‑level or chip‑level electro‑optical testing
• Experience with RF devices and high‑speed optical components
• Experience with instrument automation (for example PyVISA/SCPI, LabVIEW) and structured data management

Contact info:

Phone: [phone]