Photonics Specialist

VIAVI Solutions; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

VIAVI Solutions in Singapore seeks a highly creative Photonics Specialist to lead rapid prototyping and validation of next-generation optical and AI-assisted test technologies. Collaborate with global R&D teams to shape future test architectures, silicon photonics, CPO, and all-photonic networks while developing AI-driven test workflows.

The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping, experimental validation, and fast iteration to translate concepts into product roadmaps and advanced test platforms.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Physics, Computer Engineering, or related fields.
• Knowledge of high-speed optical transmission (100G/400G/800G/1.6T) and advanced modulation formats.
• Strong hands-on skills with optical instruments (OSA, BERT, AWG, DSO, optical power meters, spectrum analyzers).
• Experience with silicon photonics, optical transceivers, DCI systems, CPO, or photonic component testing.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis, automation, and prototyping.
• Familiarity with ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn) for AI prototyping.
• Strong experimental mindset and passion for fast iterative prototyping.
• Good communicator, willing to travel

Responsibilities

• Rapid Photonic Prototyping: design and build prototypes for silicon photonics, CPO, optical transceivers, DCI testing, and photonic test platforms.
• Feasibility studies, system bring-up, optical characterization, and performance validation.
• AI-Automated Test Development: develop AI-assisted testing workflows for photonic and high-speed optical systems.
• Build intelligent test routines using ML for calibration, optimization, anomaly detection, and root-cause analysis.
• Explore autonomous test benches, reinforcement-learning strategies, or digital-twin-driven optical test automation.
• Prototype AI-driven decision engines that accelerate throughput and accuracy.
• System Architecture & Concept Innovation: define future test architectures combining photonics, software, and AI automation.
• Investigate new measurement techniques, optical front-ends, and integrated AI signal processing.
• Translate early-stage concepts into product roadmaps and R&D planning.
• Collaboration & External Engagement: work with global VIAVI R&D teams to transition prototypes to product development.
• Support internal demos, technology showcases, and cross-organization innovation initiatives.
• Engage in photonics standards bodies and forums

Skills

Photonic prototyping

Optical testing

Silicon photonics

DCI systems

CPO

Education

Master's or PhD in EE/Optics/Photonics/Physics/CE

Tools

OSA

BERT

AWG

DSO

Optical spectrum analyzers

Job description

Summary:

VIAVI Solutions is seeking a highly creative and hands-on Photonics Specialist to join the CTO Innovation Center in Singapore. This role involves leading fast prototyping and validation of next-generation solutions in optical, photonic, AI-assisted, and high-speed connectivity test technologies, and collaborating with global R&D teams to define the future of test & measurement. Key innovation domains include silicon photonics, co-packaged optics (CPO), DCI/optical interconnects, all-photonic networks, 6G-ready optical test architectures, and AI-automated intelligent test solutions.

Duties & Responsibilities:

VIAVI Solutions is seeking a highly creative and hands-on Photonics Specialist to join the CTO Innovation Center in Singapore. This role involves leading fast prototyping and validation of next-generation solutions in optical, photonic, AI-assisted, and high-speed connectivity test technologies, and collaborating with global R&D teams to define the future of test & measurement. Key innovation domains include silicon photonics, co-packaged optics (CPO), DCI/optical interconnects, all-photonic networks, 6G-ready optical test architectures, and AI-automated intelligent test solutions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Rapid Photonic Prototyping

• Lead the optical communication technology including designing and building prototypes for test solutions for silicon photonics, CPO, optical transceivers, DCI testing, and next-generation photonic test platforms.
• Conduct feasibility studies, system bring-up, optical characterization, and performance validation.

1. AI-Automated Test Development

• Lead the development of AI-assisted testing workflows for photonic and high-speed optical systems.
• Build intelligent test routines using machine learning for calibration, optimization, anomaly detection, and root-cause analysis.
• Explore autonomous test benches,reinforcement-learning-basedtest strategies, or digital-twin-driven optical test automation.
• Prototype AI-driven decision engines that accelerate test throughput and improve measurement accuracy.

1. System Architecture & Concept Innovation

• Lead the future test architectures definition that combines photonics, software, and AI automation.
• Investigate new measurement techniques, optical front-ends, and integrated AI signal processing.
• Translate early-stage concepts into recommendations for product roadmaps and R&D planning.

1. Collaboration & External Engagement

• Work closely with global VIAVI R&D teams to transition successful prototypes to product development.
• Support internal demos, technology showcases, and cross-organization innovation initiatives.
• Thought leadership with engagement in related photonics standardization bodies and forums

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Physics, Computer Engineering, or related fields.
• Knowledge of high-speed optical transmission(100G/400G/800G/1.6T)and advanced modulation formats.
• Strong hands-on skills with optical instruments (OSA, BERT, AWG, DSO, optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, etc.).
• Experience with silicon photonics, optical transceivers, DCI systems, CPO, or photonic component testing.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis, automation, and prototyping.
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn) for basic AI prototyping.
• Strong experimental mindset and passion for fast iterative prototyping.
• Good communicator, willing to travel

Preferred

• Experience building automated test systems, AI-assisted measurement workflows, or optical digital twins.
• Background in photonic packaging, alignment automation, or high-precision optical setups.
• Experience developing ML models for classification, optimization, anomaly detection, or reinforcement learning for control systems.
• Experience working in innovation labs or early-stage technology concepting roles.