Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Test Engineer

Prattwhitney; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 118,300 - 224,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) match

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Prattwhitney is seeking a Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Test Engineer in San Diego, CA. The role involves developing tests for integrated photonic components and systems, requiring a Bachelor’s degree in STEM and 8 years of relevant experience.

Benefits include a salary range of $118,300 to $224,900, health insurance, and relocation assistance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a Secret DoD clearance.

Qualifications

• 8 years of prior relevant experience in photonics.
• Lab experience in optical alignment systems.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct testing for photonic components.
• Design mechanical fixtures for benchtop tests.
• Provide guidance and mentoring across the business.

Skills

Optical engineering tests

Test automation programming

Data acquisition

RF testing

Silicon photonics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Physics, Optics, Photonics

Tools

Ansys HFSS

Lumerical

Cadence

Vector network analyzers

Digital communication analyzers

Job description

Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Test Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-03-27

Country: United States of America

Location: US-CA-SAN DIEGO-15110 ~ 15110 Ave of Science ~ SCIENCE, Ste 200

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizenship required. DoD Clearance: Secret. Active and existing security clearance required after day 1.

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.

You Must Have

• Typical requirement of a Bachelor’s 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 (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.

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary range: 118,300 USD – 224,900 USD.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and 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.
• Eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs, depending on level and collective agreement.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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 Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.