Photonics Test Engineer

hQphotonics; Arcadia (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

hQphotonics is hiring a Photonics Test Engineer to characterize and validate photonic devices and ICs in Arcadia, CA. The role involves hands-on lab work, building test setups, running measurements, and analyzing data to guide design decisions.

You will work with lasers, detectors, spectrum analyzers, and alignment stages, and you will develop scripts to automate measurements. A strong physics/engineering background and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in a relevant field.
• Hands-on optics measurements experience.
• Familiarity with optical and electronic test equipment.
• Strong analysis and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, high energy and team spirit.

Responsibilities

• Build, align, and prototype optical test setups for characterizing photonic devices and chips.
• Perform optical and electro-optical measurements using lab equipment including lasers, optical spectrum analyzers, detectors, oscilloscopes, RF spectrum analyzers, and alignment stages.
• Develop scripts to automate measurements and data acquisition.
• Analyze and report test results and work closely with design and fabrication teams to improve device performance.

Skills

Optical testing

Data analysis

Automation scripting

Lab equipment operation

Teamwork

Education

B.S. or higher in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field

Tools

Optical test equipment

RF spectrum analyzers

Lasers

Oscilloscopes

Spectral analyzers

Job description

hQphotonics (hQp) is a start-up company formed by researchers from the California Institute of Technology. hQp is a leader in developing and commercializing state-of-the art, ultra-low phase noise microwave oscillators using photonics approaches. Its current products are used in a range of applications including communications, test and measurement, and sensing. hQp is located in the beautiful and historic city of Arcadia in southern California.

Duties and responsibilities:

We’re hiring a Photonics Test Engineer to characterize and validate our photonic devices and integrated circuits. You’ll work hands-on in the lab, building test setups, running measurements, and analyzing data that guide our design and fabrication decisions. This is a great opportunity for an engineer who enjoys optics and physics, instrumentation, precision measurement, and solving problems in a high-growth environment.

What You’ll Do

• Build, align, and prototype optical test setups for characterizing photonic devices and chips
• Perform optical and electro-optical measurement using lab equipment including lasers, optical spectrum analyzers, detectors, oscilloscopes, RF spectrum analyzers, and alignment stages
• Develop scripts to automate measurements and data acquisition
• Analyze and report test results, and work closely with design and fabrication teams to improve device performance

Requirements:

• B.S. or higher degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field
• Hands-on laboratory experience with optics or optical measurements (coursework, research, internships, or industry)
• Familiarity with basic optical and electronic test equipment
• Strong analysis skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time and task management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, high energy and team spirit.

Preferred:

• M.S. degree or relevant industry experience
• Experience with test and measurement of integrated photonic devices
• Familiarity with RF electrical measurements

We offer competitive salaries and benefits.