Optical Component Evaluation Engineer

Lumentum; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumentum Operations LLC seeks an Optical Component Evaluation Engineer to lead the characterization, testing, and qualification of optical components for telecom and data communications products. This role involves hands-on testing, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with design and manufacturing teams to ensure performance and reliability.

The candidate will develop test plans, execute measurements on lasers, detectors, modulators, and fibers, and drive improvements in test

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, or related field.
• Experience in optical component testing and characterization.
• Strong understanding of optical principles, fiber optics, and semiconductor physics.
• Hands-on experience with optical test and measurement equipment (OSAs, power meters, BERTs, optical benches).
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, JMP, Excel).
• Experience with automated test equipment (ATE) and scripting for test automation is a plus.
• Familiarity with industry standards for optical components (Telcordia, IEC) is desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans for evaluating optical components (lasers, detectors, modulators, waveguides, fibers, passive devices).
• Perform hands-on optical, electrical, and environmental testing with lab equipment (OSA, power meters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, environmental chambers).
• Analyze test data, generate reports, and recommend component selection and design improvements.
• Collaborate with R&D, design, and product engineering to define specifications and meet performance requirements.
• Identify and troubleshoot optical component failures and perform root cause analysis.
• Contribute to development and improvement of automated test systems and data analysis tools.
• Maintain accurate documentation of procedures, results, and specifications.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in optical component technologies.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's / Master's in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics

Tools

OSAs

Power meters

BERTs

Optical benches

ATE

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Lumentum Operations LLC is seeking an Optical Component Evaluation Engineer to play a key role in the characterization, testing, and qualification of optical components for advanced telecommunications and data communications products. This position involves hands-on testing, data analysis, and collaboration with design and manufacturing teams to ensure the performance and reliability of our optical solutions.

Job Responsibilities**

• Develop and execute test plans for the comprehensive evaluation of new and existing optical components (e.g., lasers, detectors, modulators, waveguides, fibers, passive devices).
• Perform hands‑on optical, electrical, and environmental testing using a variety of lab equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and environmental chambers.
• Analyze test data, generate detailed reports, and provide clear recommendations for component selection, design improvements, and manufacturing processes.
• Work closely with R&D, design, and product engineering teams to define component specifications and ensure performance requirements are met.
• Identify and troubleshoot optical component failures, conduct root cause analysis, and propose corrective actions.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of automated test systems and data analysis tools.
• Maintain accurate documentation of test procedures, results, and component specifications.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in optical component technologies and evaluation methodologies.

Job Qualifications**

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience in optical component testing and characterization.
• Strong understanding of optical principles, fiber optics, and semiconductor physics.
• Hands‑on experience with optical test and measurement equipment (e.g., OSAs, power meters, BERTs, optical benches).
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, JMP, Excel).
• Experience with automated test equipment (ATE) and scripting for test automation is a plus.
• Familiarity with industry standards for optical components (e.g., Telcordia, IEC) is desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced environment.

Pay Range:

P10-USA-1 :$59,650.00 - $85,250.00

Disclaimer:

Final base salary for the successful candidate will depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job location, where work will be performed, qualifications, work history and relevant experience. With our continual goal of making Lumentum a best place to work for our employees, we strive to offer employees competitive total compensation packages, which may include annual bonus, commission for certain sales roles, equity, and health and welfare benefits.