Photonic Systems & Applications Engineer

OpenLight Photonics; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenLight Photonics in Goleta, CA seeks a Photonic Systems and Applications Engineer for hands‑on lab testing and analysis of photonic components, PICs and systems used in communications, lidar, quantum computing, and sensing.

You will build test stations, perform optical/high‑speed testing, and demonstrate solutions at conferences, while documenting results for customers. Strong background in optical, electrical, and high‑speed testing is required.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or Photonics; Masters or PhD preferred.
• Experience in photonic and high-speed testing and analysis is required.

Responsibilities

• Characterize photonic components and PICs on OpenLight's platform with PCBs and high-speed electronics.
• Perform optical testing on photonic systems, lasers, modulators, and other components; assess bandwidth and BER.

Skills

Analytical skills

Optical testing equipment

Python programming

Schematic reading

Photonic modules testing

Cross-functional communication

Startup environment adaptability

Independent with teamwork

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Photonics

Advanced degree in related field preferred

Job description

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated Photonic Systems and Applications Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role involves hands on lab-based testing and analysis of photonic components, integrated circuits (PICs), and systems. To be qualified, you should possess a strong background in optical, electrical, and high-speed testing. You’ll work closely with our ecosystem partners and customers to ensure compatibility and suitability of the platform for applications in communications, lidar, quantum computing, sensing, and more.

What You Will Do

• Hardware Characterization: Characterization of photonic components and PICs fabricated on OpenLight’s integrated photonic platform. Work with PCBs and substrates that integrate OpenLight PICs with control and high-speed electronics like power supplies, DACs, ADCs, microcontrollers, high speed drivers, TIAs, and DSPs. Build and develop test stations including equipment procurement, test station automation, and test code development. Debug and enhance existing firmware

• Optical and High-Speed Testing: Perform optical testing on photonic systems, characterizing integrated lasers, modulators, amplifiers, and other optical components. Characterize high speed photonic systems for bandwidth, large signal eye-diagram performance, and BER

• Demonstrations: Build and support technology demonstrations on-site and at conferences, communicating clearly and effectively with customers

• Data Analysis and Communication: Analyze data, summarize findings, and clearly communicate conclusions

• Internal and External Communication: Engage with team members and customers, including generating customer-facing documentation

• Customer System Integration Support: Address customer inquiries and provide detailed and clear documentation of test results and conclusions. Support customer system integration of OpenLight PICs by answering technical questions and supplying supporting documentation

YourExperienceIncludes

• Strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative mindset

• Hands‑on experience with optical and high‑speed test equipment

• Strong Python (or similar) programming ability. Familiarity with firmware architectures and debug

• Ability to read a schematic, ability to debug, and general familiarity with printed circuit boards (PCBs)

• Experience in design and test of photonic modules such as transceivers or Lidar modules

• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, partners, and customers

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced startup environment and adapt to evolving priorities

• Self‑starting and independent but able to collaborate with teams inside and outside the company

YourQualificationsInclude

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or related field: Masters or PhD in a relevant discipline is preferred

• Relevant experience in photonic and high‑speed testing and analysis is required

About OpenLight

OpenLight is growing as customer adoption and industry momentum continue to accelerate. The rapid growth of AI and cloud infrastructure is driving unprecedented demand for faster, more energy‑efficient optical connectivity. We are addressing this challenge through a platform approach that simplifies the development of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and accelerates industry adoption.

As part of our team, you will contribute to technologies that enable AI and hyperscale data centers, high‑speed optical communications, advanced sensing applications, next‑generation photonic integration, and more. Our team is collaborative and fast‑moving, and you will have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions across technology, operations, and business growth.

If you are excited about solving challenging problems, advancing cutting‑edge technology, and working with a highly collaborative team, we would love to hear from you.

Explore our current opportunities, contact us at [e-mail], and follow us on LinkedIn.