Photonics Test Engineer — Automated Optical Lab

Darwin Recruitment; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment in San Francisco, CA is seeking a hands-on Photonics Test Engineer to develop and execute optical testing for photonic devices. You will design bench-test setups, characterize components and automate workflows to improve data quality and repeatability.

The role focuses on practical lab work, troubleshooting and close collaboration with a multidisciplinary engineering team on-site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience with waveguides, photodetectors and optical modulators.
• Experience designing and assembling optical lab test benches.
• Experience with automated testing and measurement workflows.
• Willingness to work on-site in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and operate optical test setups for photonic devices.
• Test and characterize integrated optical components including waveguides, photodetectors and modulators.
• Develop automated testing and measurement workflows.
• Troubleshoot device-level and test-setup issues and feedback to engineering.
• Document test procedures and results for repeatable testing.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support device development and performance optimization.

Skills

Photonics experience

Waveguides

Photodetectors

Optical modulators

Automated testing

Education

Photonics/Optics/Physics degree

Tools

Python

Job description

Darwin Recruitment in San Francisco, CA is seeking a hands-on Photonics Test Engineer to develop and execute optical testing for photonic devices. You will design bench-test setups, characterize components and automate workflows to improve data quality and repeatability.

The role focuses on practical lab work, troubleshooting and close collaboration with a multidisciplinary engineering team on-site.