Photonics Lab Operator (Emeryville)

nEye.ai; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

nEye.ai in Emeryville is seeking a hands-on lab operator with experience in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments to run wafer-level tests and operate advanced metrology systems.

You will load wafers, execute test sequences, and collect data while ensuring high-quality, repeatable results. The role emphasizes identifying anomalies and maintaining calibration, working closely with engineers in a fast-growing startup.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent hands-on experience in a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with precision optical and MEMS environments.
• Experience operating high-end metrology or measurement equipment.
• Background in wafer-level testing or semiconductor labs.
• Ability to execute structured test procedures with accuracy.
• Familiarity with lab instrumentation and cleanroom work.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support wafer-level test setups for silicon photonics and MEMS devices.
• Load wafers, run test sequences, and ensure high-quality test execution.
• Use optical and metrology equipment to collect measurement data.
• Perform optical alignment and fiber-based test setups as needed.
• Monitor outputs, identify anomalies, drift, or unexpected data.
• Flag irregularities to engineers with clear observations.
• Troubleshoot test setups and support root cause analysis.
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment for accuracy and repeatability.
• Document procedures, results, and observations clearly.
• Assist engineers in debugging, validation, and optimization.

Skills

Single mode fiber optics

Precision optical environments

Test procedures

Data quality analysis

Education

Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Power meters

Optical test setups

Job description

About us

nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye's MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical bottlenecks in AI processing by enabling direct optical connections among thousands of GPUs and memory units. The company's OCS is an ultra-low power consumption, high radix, compact chip-scale design, offering hyperscale data centers enhanced performance, efficiency, and scalability.

Job Overview

We are looking for a highly skilled lab operator with experience in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments: someone who can execute wafer-level testing with rigor while also applying judgment to the data they observe.

You will be responsible for running wafer-level tests and operating advanced metrology systems, but just as importantly, you will serve as a first line of defense for data quality, for example identifying anomalies, spotting inconsistencies, and flagging issues to engineering.

This role is ideal for someone who has spent years working hands-on with high-end optical systems or metrology tools, understands the scale and precision involved, and knows when something "doesn't look right."

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and support wafer-level test setups for silicon photonics and MEMS-based devices

• Load wafers, execute test sequences, and ensure consistent, high-quality test execution

• Work with high-precision optical and metrology equipment to collect measurement data

• Perform optical alignment and fiber-based test setups as needed

• Monitor test outputs and identify anomalies, drift, or unexpected behavior in data

• Proactively flag irregularities to engineers, providing clear observations and context

• Troubleshoot test setups and support root cause analysis of failures

• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment to ensure accuracy and repeatability

• Accurately document test procedures, results, and observations

• Support engineers in debugging, validation, and test optimization efforts

• Contribute to improving lab workflows, test processes, and overall data quality

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)

• Equivalent hands-on industry experience is highly valued; a formal degree is not required for this role

• Strong hands-on experience with single mode fiber optics

• Experience working in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments

• Experience operating high-end metrology or measurement equipment

• Background in wafer-level testing, semiconductor environments, or advanced hardware labs

• Proven ability to execute structured test procedures with consistency and accuracy

• Experience identifying test anomalies, system issues, or data inconsistencies

• Familiarity with lab instrumentation (e.g., optical setups, oscilloscopes, power meters, etc.)

• Comfortable working in cleanroom or controlled lab environments

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow complex procedures

Preferred Skills

• Experience with silicon photonics or optical device testing

• Experience working with laser systems, optical alignment, or fiber coupling

• Familiarity with wafer probing, optical characterization, or MEMS devices

• Experience supporting R&D or early-stage product development environments

$45 - $55 an hour

Starting salary and title will depend on, and be commensurate with, relevant industry experience, skills, training, education, market demands, and the ultimate job duties and requirements.

nEye.ai is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.