Optical Aligner and Test Engineer - Mountain View, CA

Aeva Inc.; Mountain View (CA); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

401k matching

Unlimited PTO

Paid meals

Team off-sites

Job summary

Aeva Inc. in Mountain View, CA is seeking a hands-on Optical Aligner and Test Engineer to advance the optical module used in LiDAR and sensor products.

You will lead optical alignment development, test methodologies, and production-ready processes from prototype to high-volume production. The role requires strong hands-on experience with alignment, precision motion, lasers, detectors, and automation; collaboration with design, photonics, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to improve yield,

Qualifications

• Experience in integrated optics product manufacturing such as LiDAR and optical transceiver.
• MS or PhD in Physics, Photonics, Optical engineering or related technical discipline.
• Strong programming background in Python for automation; LabVIEW and C# preferred.
• Experience with optical instrumentation (lasers, spectrum analyzers, powermeter, DAQ, motorized stages).
• Familiar with interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, JTAG, GPIB; Raspberry Pi for automation).
• Experience in statistical analysis (GR&R, correlation, DOE) using JMP.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust active alignment sequences for lasers, detectors, and fibers.
• Build fixtures and high-precision motor stages for sub-micron alignment.
• Create test cases and routines to screen optical modules and assemblies; optimize test time and throughput.
• Collaborate with vendors to evaluate and procure aligners and metrology solutions.
• Characterize Silicon Photonics PICs, lasers, and optical amplifiers for path finding programs.
• Analyze test data to identify process variation and root causes of failures.

Skills

Python programming

LabVIEW

C#

optical alignment

statistical analysis

JMP

Education

MS or PhD in Physics/Photonics/Optical engineering

Tools

Tunable lasers

Spectrum analyzers

Powermeter

DAQ

Motorized stages

Active alignment systems

I2C

SPI

UART

JTAG

GPIB

Raspberry Pi

GR&R

DOE analysis

JMP

Job description

Optical Aligner and Test Engineer - Mountain View, CA

Aeva 's mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon Photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions.

Role Overview

We are seeking a hands-on optical aligner and test engineer to develop and optimize the optical module used in our LiDAR and sensor product lines. You will join the team developing optical alignment systems for the optical module, test methodologies and manufacturing test from prototype through high-volume production.

The ideal candidate has strong practical experience with optical alignment, precision motion systems, lasers, photodetectors, optical test and measurement equipment and automation. You will work closely with product design, Photonics, mechanical, manufacturing, and quality teams to troubleshoot and improve production yield, throughput, and test coverage.

What you’ll do:

• Develop robust, fast active alignment sequences and algorithms for lasers, detectors and fibers using coupling lenses and other optics.
• Specify and build custom fixtures and high precision motor stages for achieving sub-micron precision alignment with high repeatability and reproducibility.
• Develop robust test cases and analysis routines for screening optical modules and associated assemblies. Optimize test time, station throughput, repeatability, and measurement capability.
• Work with external vendors to evaluate, specify, and procure advanced test and aligner solutions for the module and associated assemblies. These may include high speed active align systems, beam characterization and other optical metrology solutions.
• Develop tests and characterize Silicon Photonics based photonic integrated circuits (PIC), lasers and optical amplifiers to support path finding programs.
• Analyze test and manufacturing data to identify process variation, drift, and systematic failures.

What you have:

• Experience in integrated optics product manufacturing such as LiDAR and optical transceiver.
• MS or Ph.D. in Physics, Photonics, Optical engineering or related technical discipline.
• Strong programming background in Python for automation. Experience with LabView and C# is also preferred.
• Experienced with optical instrumentation such as tunable lasers, spectrum analyzers, optical powermeter, spectrum analyzer, switches, power supplies, DAQ, motorized stages and active alignment systems.
• Familiar with interfaces and tools such as I2C, SPI, UART, JTAG, GPIB, and raspberry Pi for automation with instruments and embedded systems.
• Experience in statistical analysis such as GR&R, correlation and DOE analysis for manufacturing process improvements using tools such as JMP.

What's in it for you:

• Be part of an early start-up that's backed by industry-leading venture capitalists
• Very competitive compensation and meaningful equity!
• Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more!
• 401k matching
• Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards
• Paid lunches, ping pong tournaments, and fun team off-sites!

Salary Range

$132,400-$179,200 a year

Salary pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges are subject to change in the future. Depending on the position offered, equity, bonus, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, pre-tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.

Aeva is an Equal Opportunity Employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.