Photonic Test Engineer

Cisco Systems, Inc.; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is looking for a Photonic Test Engineer in Carlsbad, CA. In this onsite role, you will develop and support tests for the next generation of optical components in Cisco’s silicon photonics lineup. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in photonic testing, as well as skills in C# and SQL for data analysis. You will collaborate closely with hardware, software, and manufacturing teams while contributing to project delivery for global product deployment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience with relevant photonics testing.
• Expertise in data analysis in semiconductor production environment.
• Experience with hardware/software automation of photonics.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and support photonic engineering tests.
• Perform failure analysis on optical components.
• Recommend and implement process improvements.
• Partner with teams for program delivery.

Skills

Photonic test

C#

SQL

Data analysis (SQL/JMP)

Hardware/software automation

Education

Bachelor's degree + 7 years of experience or equivalent

Master's degree + 4 years of experience

PhD + 1 year of experience

Job description

Application window closes 03/31/2026. Position may be removed earlier if filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

This is an onsite role and will require working out of our Carlsbad, CA office location.

Meet the Team

As a Photonic Test Engineer, you will play a critical role in developing and supporting the next generation component and packaging platform for Cisco's Silicon Photonics Integrated Circuits and chipsets. As a key member of the platform development team that is responsible for developing photonic components, tools, and processes, you’ll devise, develop and execute engineering‑test processes supporting novel optical components to be used in Cisco’s silicon photonics product offerings.

Your Impact

• Design, develop and support
• Devise, develop, build and perform engineering tests to support Cisco’s silicon photonics co-packaged optics platform.
• Perform failure analysis on optical components and assemblies.
• Resolve issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Recommend and implement test/assembly/process improvements, including cycle time reduction and automation of system to minimize required operator time and intervention.

Diagnostics Development & Lifecycle Management

• Support specialized testing needs to verify performance of new components, processes, and tools from development to production to ensure successful integration of new platform technologies.
• Devise and perform complex tests needed during FA as part of development and continuous improvement.
• Apply data analytics leveraging AI/ML for proactive problem detection and resolution.

Collaboration & Team Development

• Partner with hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure alignment and successful program delivery.
• Develop and execute project plans with predictability, quality and velocity.
• Collaborate and travel to assure successful product deployment across a global environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors + 7 years of related experience, or Masters + 4 years of related experience, or PhD + 1 year of related experience.
• Experience with photonic test.

Preferred Qualifications

• C# and SQL skills highly desired.
• Experience in hardware/software automation of photonics assembly/test.
• Data analysis (SQL/JMP) in a semiconductor production environment.
• Knowledge of photonics, fiber optics and semiconductor lasers.
• Ability to travel internationally occasionally.