Photonics Characterization Intern & New Grad

Lightmatter, Inc.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement matching

Life insurance

Time off

Paid family leave

Disability

Training & development

Hybrid work model

Equity grants

Job summary

Lightmatter, Inc. is seeking a PhD candidate or recent graduate to join the Photonics Characterization team.

You will apply silicon photonics expertise to electro‑optic testing of micro‑rings and Mach‑Zehnder interferometers, and help translate test data into actionable device insights using Python. This role offers a highly analytical, lab‑driven environment with hands‑on access to lasers, VNAs, oscilloscopes and optical test equipment.

Qualifications

• PhD candidate or recent PhD in Photonics with silicon photonics expertise.
• Experience in electro‑optic testing of photonics components.
• Experience developing automated testing systems with Python scripting.
• Strong analytical and independent problem-solving in a lab.

Responsibilities

• Participate in electro‑optic testing of photonics chips and devices.
• Characterize silicon photonics components such as micro-rings and MZI.
• Operate optical equipment including lasers, modulators, and filters.
• Develop automated testing workflows and data interfaces using Python.
• Translate test data into actionable design insights.

Skills

Python scripting

Data analysis

Independent work

Education

PhD in Photonics / PhD candidate

Tools

Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)

Oscilloscope

Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Mach-Zehnder Interferometer tester

Job description

Photonics Characterization Intern & New Grad

Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.

Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!

If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.

Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!

The Photonics & Silicon Engineering team's core function is the design and development of Lightmatter's photonic processors and interconnects using light instead of electrical signals for computation and communication. They specialize in silicon photonics fabricating advanced optical components directly onto a silicon base to deliver chips and lasers with superior speed, low power and higher overall performance. The team's innovations are critical for eliminating data bottlenecks in next-generation AI and high-performance computing

Lightmatter is looking for a PhD candidate who can work in Photonics Characterization (Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field) starting immediatelywith a strong understanding of Silicon Photonics and demonstrated experience in electro-optic testing of components like micro-rings and Mach-Zehnder interferometers. The ideal candidate will leverage hands‑on laboratory experience with various optical and semiconductor test equipment, and be skilled in developing and implementing automated testing using Python scripting. This highly analytical, process-oriented individual must be capable of working independently to solve complex technical problems and translate data into actionable strategies.

Responsibilities

• Participate in electro-optic testing of photonics chips/devices, leveraging hands‑on laboratory experience and working with various optical instruments.
• Conduct tests and characterization of silicon photonics components, including micro-rings, optical phase shifters, and Mach‑Zehnder interferometers.
• Operate a range of optical equipment such as lasers, electro‑optic modulators, semiconductor optical amplifiers, PIN receivers, optical spectrum analyzers, optical vector analyzers, and optical filters.
• Utilize semiconductor test equipment, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, source-meter units, arbitrary waveform generators, and high-speed oscilloscopes.
• Design and execute testing protocols for silicon photonics chips and subsystems.
• Develop and implement automated testing and system interfacing through Python scripting.

Qualifications

• Recent PhD graduate OR PhD candidate in Photonics with a strong understanding of Silicon Photonics and demonstrated experience in electro‑optical component testing.
• Experienced in developing and implementing automated testing systems using Python scripting, with a proven ability to translate data into actionable strategies.
• Highly analytical, process-oriented, and capable of working independently to solve complex, non‑obvious technical problems in a lab environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high speed instruments
• High speed communications and understanding of VNA and optical link
• Understanding of high speed PCBs and/or micro electronics
• Experience working in a graduate level photonics or electrical engineering lab.
• Willingness and curiosity to learn from an exciting team!

We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.

Hourly Range

$53 - $65 USD

• Retirement Savings Matching Program
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Equity grants (applicable to full‑time employees)

Benefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status and location. Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Export Control

Candidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.

Lightmatter follows a hybrid work model.

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