Optical Test Engineer

Beacon Photonics; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic tech startup at the forefront of optical innovation. As an Optical Test Engineer, you'll lead experimental testing and collaborate with world-class engineers to develop revolutionary optical microsystems. Your expertise will shape the future of photonic integrated circuits and laser systems, enabling groundbreaking advancements in communications, sensing, and quantum technologies. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative environment that values innovation and problem-solving. If you're passionate about technology and eager to make a real-world impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Employee Stock Ownership

Health Coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision)

401(k) with Employer Contributions

Generous Paid Leave

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in optical system development.
• Expertise in experimental characterization of optical hardware.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental testing for optical microsystems.
• Analyze data and generate test reports.

Skills

Optical System Development

Experimental Characterization

Scripting (Python, Matlab)

Free-space Optics

Fiber Optics

Advanced Laser Measurements

Technical Proposal Preparation

Excellent Communication Skills

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Physics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Optical Test Infrastructure

Laser Systems

Job description

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Beacon Photonics is creating revolutionary optical microsystems to disrupt traditional laser markets. Founded by pioneers in the field of integrated photonics, we are a dynamic tech startup at the forefront of optical innovation. Our heterogeneous photonics technology enables high-performance products that provide unparalleled advantages in cost, size, and functionality for communications, sensing, and quantum systems. We are a dedicated group of world-class engineers and scientists devoted to realizing transformative capabilities and solving real-world problems.

We are seeking an exceptional Optical Test Engineer to join our rapidly growing team. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in the characterization and control of photonic integrated circuits and laser systems and have a proven ability to apply this knowledge in practice. In addition, they will understand how to design, specify, and bring up photonic test infrastructure to enable new characterization and analysis capabilities. As a key team member, you will refine and deliver products, propose and lead technical efforts, collaborate with cross-functional teams and state-of-the-art foundries, and report directly to senior leadership. To apply, send your resume to [e-mail] with the position in the subject line.

Responsibilities:

• Lead experimental testing efforts for optical microsystems at the wafer, die, package, and system levels
• Analyze data, generate test reports, and synthesize results to inform future design and process development iterations
• Shape the company’s future by building laboratory capabilities, proposing and leading new activities, and supporting ongoing research
• Conduct innovative R&D to deliver solutions to commercial and government customers and report key results to industry executives and government decision makers
• Collaborate with a team of integrated photonics designers and foundry partners
• Work closely with senior leadership to inform technical decisions and company direction

Requirements:

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in physics, electrical engineering, or similar field
• 3+ years of professional experience with advanced optical system development
• Experience in the experimental characterization of optical hardware including semiconductor, solid-state, and fiber lasers and optoelectronic components
• Scripting and automation tools such as Python and Matlab
• Expertise with free-space optics, fiber optics, and advanced laser measurements
• Demonstrated success in the preparation of technical proposals, publications, and patents
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong work ethic, and attention to detail
• Expertise in one or more applications of optical systems, such as communications, sensing, defense, and quantum technology

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Advanced laser measurements including RIN, linewidth, feedback sensitivity, and lifetime
• Narrow linewidth lasers and stabilization techniques such as self-injection locking and PDH
• Characterization of ultrafast, pulsed, and high-power laser systems
• Nonlinear optics including optical down-conversion and frequency combs

Beacon Photonics is based in vibrant Northern Virginia, consistently ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in the country. We value innovation, collaboration, open and honest communication, and a passion for technology. Come build your future with us.

Our benefits include competitive compensation and employee stock ownership. We provide excellent family health coverage (medical, dental, and vision), a 401(k) with employer contributions, and generous paid leave. Beacon is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

This position involves access to technology that may be subject to U.S. export controls. Such access is granted to U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, certain categories of refugees and asylees, and those who can obtain appropriate export control licenses from the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Associate

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering, Design, and Research

• Industries

  Semiconductor Manufacturing

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

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