Optical Component Evaluation Engineer

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

Job summary

Lumentum is seeking a test-focused engineer to develop and execute comprehensive test plans for optical components in San Jose. You will perform hands-on optical, electrical, and environmental testing, analyze data, and generate detailed reports to inform component selection and design improvements.

Collaborating with R&D, design, and product engineering, you will help define specifications, troubleshoot failures, and contribute to automation of test systems while staying current with industry

Qualifications

• Experience in optical component testing and characterization.
• Strong understanding of optics, fiber optics, and semiconductor physics.
• Hands-on with optical test equipment (OSAs, power meters, BERTs, benches).
• Proficient with Python, MATLAB, JMP, and Excel for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans for comprehensive evaluation of new and existing optical components.
• Perform hands-on optical, electrical, and environmental testing with lab equipment.
• Analyze test data, generate reports, and provide recommendations for design and process improvements.
• Collaborate with R&D, design, and product engineering to define specifications and meet requirements.
• Identify and troubleshoot failures; conduct root-cause analysis and propose fixes.
• Contribute to automated test systems and data analysis tool development.
• Maintain documentation of test procedures, results, and specifications.
• Stay current with industry trends in optical component technologies and methodologies.

Skills

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

Automation scripting

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics or related field

Tools

OSAs

Power meters

BERTs

Optical benches

Python

MATLAB

JMP

Excel

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!

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.

Lumentum is illuminating the networks of tomorrow with advanced photonic technologies that enable AI, data centers, telecom, industrial, and sensing applications. As AI accelerates the global demand for bandwidth and energy efficiency, we deliver the building blocks that keep data moving reliably, efficiently, and at massive scale. Our optical products support AI and compute infrastructure, cloud and DCI environments, metro and long‑haul networks, while our lasers drive breakthroughs in precision manufacturing and sensing. For nearly five decades, Lumentum has been at the intersection of light and innovation. What began as a vision with JDS Uniphase to harness the power of photonics has evolved into a global force driving the communication infrastructure of tomorrow. At Lumentum, we’re building more than a business—we’re building a team of passionate innovators whose drive to collaborate, create, and connect the world fuels everything we do. We are part of the AI technology revolution and we are illuminating the path forward. Headquartered in San Jose, California, we operate worldwide through a network of R&D, manufacturing, and sales locations.