Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Test Engineer

Prattwhitney; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Benefits package

Annual incentive programs

Job summary

RTX in San Diego seeks a Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Test Engineer to join the Surface Radars and Sensors Center. You will develop and conduct testing for PICs, wafers, and sub-assemblies, evaluating photonic device performance under diverse conditions.

The role requires a STEM degree with 8+ years of experience in optical/RF testing, silicon photonics, and advanced test equipment. Relies on HFSS, Lumerical, Cadence, and Synopsis; on-site role with potential relocation.

Qualifications

• Requires STEM degree and 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with optical tests, alignment systems, fiber-waveguide coupling, and design verification tests.
• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Physics, Optics, Photonics or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct testing for PICs, wafers, and sub-assemblies.
• Evaluate photonic device performance under design specs, optical power, spectra, and environmental conditions.
• Select/compare photonic components and RF/electronic subsystems for wideband development.
• Design fixtures and test accessories to expand benchtop capabilities.
• Provide guidance and mentoring across the team.

Skills

Test automation

RF testing

Mixed-signal electronics

Optical engineering tests

Data acquisition

Customer engagement

Education

STEM degree

MS/PhD in Physics/Optics/Photonics

Tools

Ansys HFSS

Lumerical

Cadence

Synopsis

Vector network analyzers

Real-time oscilloscopes

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-07-06 Country: United States of America Location: US-CA-SAN DIEGO-15110 ~ 15110 Ave of Science ~ SCIENCE, Ste 200 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1 At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. Raytheon is seeking a talented and motivated Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Test Engineer to join our Surface Radars and Sensors Center within the Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SETC) Discipline, supporting Advanced Technology (AT) Programs. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the development of next-generation systems. The successful candidate will bring expertise in Systems Engineering, Design, and Testing, with a focus on characterizing photonic and RF components as well as sub-system assemblies in support of advanced research and development programs.

What You Will Do

Develop and conduct testing for integrated photonic components, sub-systems, and systems at the die (PICs), wafer, and sub-assembly levels.

Implement test methodologies to evaluate photonic device performance based on design specifications, optical power, polarization, spectra, and environmental conditions.

Contribute to the selection of COTS/custom photonic components (discrete and silicon photonics), RF electronics, mixed-signal electronics, and embedded/digital signal processing solutions for wideband electronic and hybrid electronic-photonic development programs.

Design mechanical fixtures and identify accessories to enhance and expand benchtop test capabilities.

Perform architectural trade studies on systems and sub-systems related to wideband RF and hybrid electronic-photonic components and sub-systems.

Support the development and implementation of new hybrid electronic-photonic capabilities.

Provide guidance, coaching, mentoring, and training to employees across the business in areas of expertise.

Qualifications

You Must Have Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and 8 years of prior relevant experience. Lab experience in optical engineering tests, optical alignment systems, fiber-waveguide coupling, and/or design verification testing. Experience in Silicon Photonics, Optoelectronics, MEMS R&D, and/or related photonics product development.

We Prefer Proficiency in programming languages for test automation and accurate, efficient data acquisition. Experience in RF testing and characterization of photonic devices, including the use of tunable lasers, OSAs, switches, and attenuators. Familiarity with discrete and integrated components (Silicon, Silicon Nitride, and compound-semiconductor technologies). Hands‑on experience with high‑speed test equipment such as bit error rate testers, digital communication analyzers, real‑time oscilloscopes, and vector network analyzers. Experience with silicon and compound semiconductor fabrication technologies. Proficiency in integrated photonics modeling and electronic design tools (e.g., Ansys HFSS, Lumerical, Cadence, Synopsis). Knowledge of microelectronic and photonic integrated circuit packaging technologies. Experience with high‑performance mixed‑signal systems (ADCs, DACs, FPGAs). Demonstrated excellence in engaging with customers and decision‑makers. Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Physics, Optics, Photonics, or a related field.

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Relocation Eligibility– Relocation assistance available.

The salary range for this role is 118,300 USD - 224,900 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability,401(k)match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.

Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry‑leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.