Photonics Validation Engineer

Lyte; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement plan

Flexible vacation

Cross-functional team

Cutting-edge technologies

Job summary

Lyte is seeking a Photonics Validation Engineer in the Bay Area to validate photonics subsystems and build out test infrastructure. You will work on optical and electro-optic testing, failure analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to drive issues from root cause to resolution.

The role requires hands-on lab experience, MATLAB/Python data analysis, and knowledge of coherent optical communications. You’ll contribute to transitioning tests from R&D to manufacturing, in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or related field; Master’s or Ph.D. welcome but not required.
• 3–7 years of experience in photonics validation, optical testing, or opto-electronic systems.
• Hands-on experience testing photonic components, subsystems, or packaged modules.
• Experience building test benches, fixtures, or automated test setups from the ground up.
• Strong failure-analysis and troubleshooting skills across optical, electrical, and firmware domains.
• Hands-on use of lab equipment: spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, optical power meters.
• Proficiency in data analysis, automation, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Knowledge of coherent optical communication principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication across engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Build test benches and automated test setups for photonics systems and devices.
• Design, execute, and refine test plans across wafer, chip, eval board, and sub-module levels.
• Perform spectrum, noise, and FFT-based signal analysis.
• Validate coherent communications systems and modules.
• Conduct failure analyses to root-cause device and system issues across optical, electrical, and firmware layers.
• Perform passive optical testing (insertion loss, return loss, wavelength response).
• Troubleshoot test setups and design issues to drive resolution.
• Analyze and visualize test data to characterize performance and trends.
• Interface with EIC controls, firmware, and embedded software during test bring-up.
• Collaborate with FPGA/ASIC teams for test automation and validation workflows.
• Document procedures, results, and analyses for internal stakeholders.
• Support transition of test methodologies from R&D to high-volume manufacturing.

Skills

Optical testing

Photonics validation

Test benches

Data analysis

Coherent optics

Troubleshooting

Firmware/test collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics

Tools

Spectrum Analyzer

Oscilloscope

Network Analyzer

Optical Power Meter

Job description

About Lyte

Lyte builds perception systems for Physical AI operating in complex environments. The company combines custom silicon, integrated sensors, and software into a unified platform for robotics, mobility, and next-generation automation. Lyte is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with a global presence. For more information, visit www.lyte.ai

About Lyte

Lyte builds perception systems for Physical AI operating in complex environments. The company combines custom silicon, integrated sensors, and software into a unified platform for robotics, mobility, and next-generation automation. Lyte is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with a global presence. For more information, visit www.lyte.ai

About The Role

• We are seeking a highly motivated Photonics Validation Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for validating photonics sub-systems and packaged opto-electronic modules — building test infrastructure from the ground up and driving failure analysis from component level through module level. This position requires hands-on expertise in optical and electro-optic testing, strong troubleshooting instincts, and the ability to work closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team. Experience with EIC control, firmware/FPGA/ASIC-based test environments, coherent communications, and data analysis is essential. Background in free space optics, micro-optics, packaging, and III-V semiconductor physics is a plus. You will work alongside a world-class, cross-functional team in a fast-paced and rapidly growing environment.

What You’ll Do

• Build test benches and automated test setups from scratch for photonics systems, components, and packaged opto-electronic devices


• Design, execute, and refine test plans and validation methodologies across wafer, chip, eval board, and sub-module levels


• Perform spectrum analysis, noise analysis and FFT-based signal analysis


• Validate coherent communication systems and modules (e.g., coherent receivers, DSP-linked subsystems)


• Perform failure analysis efforts — root-causing device and system failures across optical, electrical, and firmware layers, and driving corrective actions


• Perform passive optical testing (insertion loss, return loss, wavelength response, etc.)


• Troubleshoot and debug test setups and design issues, identifying and resolving challenges


• Analyze and visualize test data to characterize device performance and identify trends or deviations


• Interface with EIC controls, firmware, and embedded software during test bring-up


• Collaborate with FPGA/ASIC teams to support test automation, debug, and validation workflows


• Work closely with cross-functional teams (design, packaging, manufacturing, product) to drive issues from detection to resolution


• Document test procedures, results, and failure analyses; communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders


• Support the transition of test methodologies from R&D into high-volume manufacturing

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or a related field; a Master's or Ph.D. is welcome but not required


• 3–7 years of relevant industry or applied research experience in photonics validation, optical testing, or opto-electronic systems


• Hands-on experience testing photonic or opto-electronic components, subsystems, or packaged modules


• Experience building test benches, fixtures, or automated test setups from the ground up


• Strong failure-analysis and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to isolate root causes across optical, electrical, and firmware domains


• Hands-on experience with optical and electrical lab equipment, including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and optical power meters


• Proficiency in data analysis, automation, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools


• Working knowledge of coherent optical communication principles


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience interfacing with EIC controls, firmware, or embedded software during test bring-up


• Experience with FPGA- or ASIC-based test environments and validation workflows


• Experience with spectrum, noise, or FFT-based signal analysis


• Background in free-space optics, micro-optics, photonics packaging, or III-V semiconductor physics


• Experience transitioning test methodologies from R&D into manufacturing or high-volume production

Benefits

(subject to location and local regulations)

• Competitive salary and equity


• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage


• 401(k) retirement plan


• Flexible vacation and time-off policy


• Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment


• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a highly cross-functional team

The Pay Range For This Role Is

170,000 - 250,000 USD per year(Bay Area, CA)