Lead Photonics Engineer

PINC Technologies

Los Angeles, California (CA, MO)

On-site

USD 95,000 - 135,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Stock option plan

Retirement plan with company match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Short and long term disability

Company-sponsored team outings

Job summary

A growing tech startup in Pasadena is seeking a Lead Photonics Engineer to drive the characterization and validation of integrated photonic circuits. This role requires strong expertise in nonlinear optics along with hands-on experience in optical testing. Candidates should be proficient in Python and LabVIEW, and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The position offers significant opportunities for professional growth, a stock option plan, and a retirement plan with company match.

Qualifications

Demonstrated hands-on experience in experimental photonics.
Solid understanding of nonlinear optics.
Experience in photonic integrated circuit testing and packaging.
Proficiency in Python and/or LabVIEW.

Responsibilities

Own and improve optical and electro-optical testing workflows.
Automate measurements and streamline data analysis.
Create and maintain test plans and documentation.
Characterize photonic components and prepare test reports.
Set up and operate lab equipment like tunable lasers and oscilloscopes.
Develop test software for measurement execution and data analysis.

Skills

Nonlinear optics

Optics

Python

LabVIEW

Optical test equipment

Electronic test equipment

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or Photonics

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD tools

Tunable lasers

Power meters

Job description

The ever growing technological advances in computing, communication, and sensing depend on photonics. PINC builds the transformative integrated photonic platform to address these needs and make that future possible. Our proprietary NanoPPLN photonic platform is based on pioneering advancements from the Nonlinear Photonics Laboratory at Caltech. PINC is an early‑stage startup with venture backing from leading financial investors and major global photonics companies.

We are growing quickly and looking for passionate, highly driven, and self‑disciplined individuals to join us on this journey, who are excited to push the boundaries of Photonic technologies. This is an excellent opportunity for people who excel in a fast‑paced environment, approach challenges with a “can‑do” mindset, and work collaboratively to inspire others while helping to build a strong team around them and with them as we scale the company together.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Lead Photonics Engineer to join our team in Pasadena and lead the characterization and performance validation of PINC’s integrated photonic circuit products, from prototypes to product‑level validation.

This role is ideal for a technically rigorous experimentalist with a solid understanding of nonlinear optics, who thrives on designing, executing, and automating complex optical and electro‑optic tests, and who takes pride in building, debugging, and optimizing test systems to deliver robust, repeatable performance. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in optics, photonics, and electronic test equipment and thrives in a fast‑paced environment where experimental agility and engineering precision are equally valued. You will work closely with a highly interdisciplinary team of engineers, playing a central role in developing and executing the test methodologies that will accelerate the scalability and performance of PINC’s photonic platform.

Responsibilities

Own and continuously improve chip‑level and package‑level optical and electro‑optical testing, data acquisition, and automation workflows for PINC’s integrated photonic products
Automate measurements and streamline data analysis pipelines to enable rapid prototyping and benchmarking
Create and maintain detailed test plans, procedures, and documentation to evaluate product performance from prototype to validation and ensure timely execution
Characterize photonic components and systems, analyze test data, and prepare clear test reports for both internal teams and external customers
Set up and operate a wide range of optical and electronic lab equipment (e.g. tunable lasers, power meters, OSAs, ESAs, autocorrelators, and high‑speed oscilloscopes)
Develop test software for measurement execution, instrument control, data analysis, and parameter extraction (Python and/or LabVIEW)
Work closely with the team to improve the mechanical and optical robustness of test setups and packaged devices
Use CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) to design optomechanical assemblies for test setups and prototype packages
Perform basic PCB design and development to support test setups and measurement systems
Work with vendors to specify, evaluate, and procure test equipment
Stay current with the latest advances in Photonic Integrated Circuit testing

Requirements

PhD degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Photonics, or a related field, with demonstrated hands‑on experience in experimental photonics
Hands‑on experience and solid understanding of nonlinear optics
Hands‑on experience in photonic integrated circuit testing and packaging
Proficiency in Python and/or LabVIEW for lab automation, instrument control, and data processing
Proficiency in operating optical and electronic test equipment (e.g., lasers, OSAs, lock‑in amplifiers, ESAs, autocorrelators, and high‑speed oscilloscopes)
Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) and basic PCB design tools
Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for collaborating in a fast‑paced environment to build scalable test systems and procedures

Preferred Experience and Skills

2+ years of experience in startup or early‑stage R&D environments with rapid iteration cycles
Experience in experimental nonlinear optics and ultrafast laser systems
Expertise in statistical data analysis, including basic statistical tests, designs of experiments, gauge repeatability, curve fitting, statistical process control, and machine learning methods
Exceptional opportunities for professional growth and learning
Stock option plan
Retirement plan with company match
Paid time off (Vacation, sick & public holidays)
Life insurance
Short term and long term disability
Company‑sponsored team outings

Our office is located in the heart of Pasadena, a world‑class hub for science, technology, and entrepreneurship, with close ties to Caltech and Southern California’s broader innovation community, and access to vibrant neighborhoods, culture, dining, and outdoor activities, all within minutes of Los Angeles.

Working Conditions