Micro LED Characterization Engineer

Avicena Tech; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Avicena is seeking a Micro LED Characterization Engineer in Sunnyvale, CA to perform optical, electrical, and thermal characterization of microLED devices. You will design automated measurement systems, analyze data to extract key metrics, and drive root cause analysis with cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in semiconductor or optoelectronic characterization, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to mentor junior engineers in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in EE/Physics/Materials science.
• 10+ years in semiconductor or optoelectronic device characterization.
• Experience with automated test systems and measurement instrumentation.
• Strong analytical skills with JMP, Python, or Excel.
• Excellent troubleshooting and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform optical, electrical, and thermal characterization of microLED devices.
• Design and maintain automated measurement systems and scripts.
• Analyze characterization data to extract key metrics (EQE, forward voltage, emission wavelength).
• Drive root cause analysis and data-driven recommendations to teams.
• Collaborate with process integration, epitaxy, device design, and product engineering.
• Develop new characterization methodologies and best practices.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot lab equipment; document procedures.
• Present findings to cross-functional teams and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Device characterization

Data analysis

DOE

Troubleshooting

Python

LabVIEW

Communication

Education

Bachelor's/MS in EE/Physics/Materials

PhD preferred

Tools

JMP

Microsoft Excel

LabVIEW

SEM metrology

Job description

Micro LED Characterization Engineer

Avicena is a privately held company developing microLED based ultra-low power high bandwidth interconnects for chip-to-chip communications. This technology will revolutionize High-Performance (HPC) and Cloud computing, as well as other industries where low power interconnects are critical like camera sensors, autonomous vehicles, and aerospace. Avicena is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with a development center in Edinburgh, Scotland. The company was founded in 2019 by leading technologists from the optical networking industry with a track record of delivering breakthrough products. (www.avicena.tech)

Responsibilities

• Perform optical, electrical, and thermal characterization of microLED devices throughout the development lifecycle.
• Design, develop, and maintain automated measurement systems and test scripts to improve characterization efficiency and repeatability.
• Analyze characterization data to extract key performance metrics, including optical output power, forward voltage, emission wavelength, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and device reliability/degradation characteristics.
• Drive root cause analysis of device performance and reliability issues, providing data-driven recommendations to process, device, and design engineering teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with process integration, epitaxy, device design, and product engineering teams to optimize device performance and manufacturing yield.
• Develop new characterization methodologies, test procedures, and best practices to support next‑generation microLED technologies.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to ensure measurement accuracy and reliability.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and conclusions in clear technical reports and present findings to cross‑functional teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in characterization techniques, data analysis, and laboratory best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Optics, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of industry experience in semiconductor or optoelectronic device characterization.
• Strong understanding of electrical, optical, and thermal characterization techniques for semiconductor devices.
• Experience with automated test systems and measurement instrumentation.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in JMP, Python, Excel, or similar data analysis tools.
• Experience with statistical data analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings to multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment while collaborating effectively across engineering disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Optics, or a related field.
• Direct experience with microLED, LED, VCSEL, laser, or other III-V semiconductor device characterization.
• Familiarity with metrology tools such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, profilometry, and other optical characterization techniques.
• Experience with reliability testing, failure analysis, and lifetime characterization.
• Experience developing automated test software using Python, LabVIEW, or similar programming environments.
• Knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes and process integration.