Hardware Development Engineer, Photonics

OpenLight Photonics Inc.; Santa Clara, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k matching

Unlimited vacation

Job summary

OpenLight Photonics is looking for a hands-on engineer to perform lab-based testing and analysis of photonic systems integrating PICs. The role centers on characterizing lasers, modulators, and related components, plus RF/high-speed evaluation and data interpretation.

You will build test stations, automate tests, debug firmware, and communicate findings clearly to cross-functional teams and customers in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Education in electrical engineering or photonics is required.
• Hands-on RF photonics and high-speed optical test experience preferred.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.
• Experience with test equipment and firmware/debug familiarity is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Characterize photonic components and PICs, including lasers and modulators.
• RF/high-speed evaluation and data analysis, summarizing conclusions.
• Build/test stations, procure equipment, and develop automation scripts.
• Support customer demonstrations and document test results clearly.

Skills

Analytical skills

Hands-on test equipment

Python programming

Schematic/PCB reading

Independent yet collaborative

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering or Photonics

Tools

Oscilloscope

VNA

Job description

The Opportunity

If you have hands-on lab-based testing and analysis of photonic systems integrating photonic integrated circuits (PICs), we want to talk with you!

This is a lab-based role, so expect to spend most of your days there.

When not in the lab, you will be front and center to real-world applications and challenges in the world of Photonics, as part of our Sales and Business Development organization.

Got a strong background in optical communications system test? Skip to the front of the line!

What You Will Do

• Optical & High-Speed Evaluation Hardware Characterization: Characterize photonic components and PICs fabricated on OpenLight's integrated photonic platform including lasers, modulators, amplifiers, and other optical components. RF characterization of high speed photonic systems for bandwidth, large signal eye-diagram performance, and BER. Work with PCBs and substrates that integrate OpenLight PICs with control and high-speed electronics including DSPs. Build and develop test stations including equipment procurement, test station automation, and test code development. Debug and enhance existing firmware. Analyze data, summarize findings, and clearly communicate conclusions

• Demonstrations: Build and support technology demonstrations on-site and at conferences, communicating clearly and effectively with customers

• Data Analysis and Communication: Analyze data, summarize findings, and clearly communicate conclusions

• Internal and External Communication: Engage with team members and customers, including generating customer-facing documentation

• Customer System Integration Support: Address customer inquiries and provide detailed and clear documentation of test results and conclusions. Support customer system integration of OpenLight PICs by answering technical questions and supplying supporting documentation

YourExperienceIncludes

• Education: Degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or related field

• Experience: Relevant experience in RF photonic and high-speed optical communication system testing and analysis is required

• Skills:

  • Strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative mindset
  • Hands-on experience with optical and high-speed test equipment
  • Strong Python (or similar) programming ability. Familiarity with firmware architectures and debug
  • Ability to read a schematic, ability to debug, and general familiarity with printed circuit boards (PCBs)
  • Experience in design and test of photonic modules such as transceivers or Lidar modules
  • Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, partners, and customers
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment and adapt to evolving priorities
  • Self-starting and independent but able to collaborate with teams inside and outside the company

About OpenLight

OpenLight Photonics is an innovative start-up at the forefront of photonic integration, commercializing our cutting-edge heterogeneously integrated silicon photonics platform. OpenLight has a PDK that supports customers designing Photonic ASICs (PASICs) for applications in communications, LIDAR, quantum computing, sensing, and more. OpenLight has over 300 patents covering the integration of many different active and passive components, such as tunable lasers, DFBs, SOAs, modulators, switches, filters, and detectors, onto a single, silicon photonics chip. Join us in an exciting start-up environment with ample opportunities for growth and professional development.

We continue with a hybrid schedule, with a standard of three days/week in office; you select the days you're in, based on what's best for your work priorities.

OpenLight's salary for technical roles is dependent on the skills and experience of the individual, their primary work location, and other parameters; annual salary will generally be somewhere between $130,000-$230,000. In addition to cash compensation, OpenLight offers incentive stock options (ISOs), generous insurance support, 401k matching, unlimited vacation, spot bonuses, and a positive work environment. If you are excited about solving challenging problems, advancing cutting-edge technology, and working with a highly collaborative team, we would love to hear from you.