Photonic Systems & Applications Engineer

Neara; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenLight is seeking a Photonic Systems & Applications Engineer to join our hybrid-work team in Goleta/Santa Clara, CA. You will perform hands-on lab-based testing of photonic components, PICs, and systems, working with OpenLight’s platform to ensure optimal compatibility for communications, lidar, quantum sensing, and more.

You will analyze data, develop test stations, and build customer-facing documentation while collaborating with ecosystem partners and customers to enable successful system

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with optical and high-speed test equipment.
• Strong Python programming and firmware debugging.
• Ability to read schematics and debug PCBs.
• Advanced degree in EE or Photonics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Hardware characterization of photonic components and PICs using OpenLight platform and associated electronics.
• Perform optical and high-speed testing of lasers, modulators, amplifiers, and photonic components.
• Build and support on-site and conference demonstrations for customers.
• Analyze data, summarize findings, and clearly communicate conclusions.
• Develop customer-facing documentation and support customer system integration.
• Collaborate with partners and customers to enable smooth integration of OpenLight PICs.

Skills

Python programming

Schematic reading

PCB familiarity

Data analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Master's/PhD in Electrical Engineering or Photonics

Tools

High-speed test equipment

Firmware debugging tools

PCB design tools

Job description

Photonic Systems & Applications Engineer

Job type: Full Time · Department: Sales · Work type: Hybrid · USD 140,000-180,000 / year

Goleta, California, United States; Santa Clara, California, United States

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.