Lead Silicon Photonics Test & Automation Engineer

Jobtailor; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. seeks a senior test/characterization engineer to lead die‑level testing and automation for silicon photonics devices.

You will architect automated RF/optical test platforms and define methods for modulators, detectors, waveguides and resonators, ensuring high‑throughput, reproducible measurements. The role requires 5+ years in photonics/instrumentation, strong Python skills, and hands‑on RF/microwave experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in photonics, semiconductor, or optoelectronic device testing.
• Experience with high‑precision probe stations and electrical/RF probing of semiconductor devices.
• Experience with optical alignment using lenses or fibers to semiconductor devices.
• Strong understanding of silicon photonic devices, modulators, photodetectors, and optical coupling techniques.
• Experience developing automated laboratory or production test systems using Python or comparable programming languages.
• Strong hands‑on experience with RF/microwave measurement techniques and VNAs.
• Experience with data plotting and analysis software such as JMP, MATLAB, or Python.
• Strong RF/microwave test and measurement expertise (VNAs, S-parameters, calibration, de-embedding).
• Knowledge of optical test equipment (tunable lasers, power meters, OSA, polarization controllers).
• Python proficiency for test automation, instrument control, data acquisition, analysis and visualization.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis across optical, electrical, RF, mechanical, software, and device domains.
• Ability to transfer knowledge, develop documentation and training materials.
• Ability to guide engineers through experimental design and debugging.
• Ability to teach complex RF and photonics concepts with hands‑on coaching.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Adherence to safety training and site EHS standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of die‑level test and characterization strategies from device characterization to manufacturing readiness.
• Architect and develop automated electro‑optical and RF test platforms for silicon photonic devices and PICs.
• Develop characterization methods for modulators, photodetectors, waveguides, couplers and resonators.
• Develop RF/high‑speed characterization techniques including S‑parameters, bandwidth, impedance, and signal integrity.
• Create test automation, data acquisition, and analysis software using Python.
• Improve throughput, repeatability, automation, cost and measurement accuracy.
• Correlate die measurements with downstream package and system performance.
• Drive design‑for‑test improvements and influence future device designs.
• Lead root‑cause investigations for electrical, RF, optical, and electro‑optical issues.
• Mentor junior and mid‑career engineers; review plans and methodologies.

Skills

Python programming

Test automation

Data analysis

Root-cause analysis

Mentoring

Technical documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or higher in Electrical/Optical Engineering or Physics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

JMP

Job description

Coherent Corp. seeks a senior test/characterization engineer to lead die‑level testing and automation for silicon photonics devices.

You will architect automated RF/optical test platforms and define methods for modulators, detectors, waveguides and resonators, ensuring high‑throughput, reproducible measurements. The role requires 5+ years in photonics/instrumentation, strong Python skills, and hands‑on RF/microwave experience.