Principal Silicon Photonics Test Engineer

Jobtailor; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. seeks a senior test/characterization engineer to lead die‑level testing and automation for silicon photonics devices.

You will architect automated RF/optical test platforms and define methods for modulators, detectors, waveguides and resonators, ensuring high‑throughput, reproducible measurements. The role requires 5+ years in photonics/instrumentation, strong Python skills, and hands‑on RF/microwave experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in photonics, semiconductor, or optoelectronic device testing.
• Experience with high‑precision probe stations and electrical/RF probing of semiconductor devices.
• Experience with optical alignment using lenses or fibers to semiconductor devices.
• Strong understanding of silicon photonic devices, modulators, photodetectors, and optical coupling techniques.
• Experience developing automated laboratory or production test systems using Python or comparable programming languages.
• Strong hands‑on experience with RF/microwave measurement techniques and VNAs.
• Experience with data plotting and analysis software such as JMP, MATLAB, or Python.
• Strong RF/microwave test and measurement expertise (VNAs, S-parameters, calibration, de-embedding).
• Knowledge of optical test equipment (tunable lasers, power meters, OSA, polarization controllers).
• Python proficiency for test automation, instrument control, data acquisition, analysis and visualization.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis across optical, electrical, RF, mechanical, software, and device domains.
• Ability to transfer knowledge, develop documentation and training materials.
• Ability to guide engineers through experimental design and debugging.
• Ability to teach complex RF and photonics concepts with hands‑on coaching.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Adherence to safety training and site EHS standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of die‑level test and characterization strategies from device characterization to manufacturing readiness.
• Architect and develop automated electro‑optical and RF test platforms for silicon photonic devices and PICs.
• Develop characterization methods for modulators, photodetectors, waveguides, couplers and resonators.
• Develop RF/high‑speed characterization techniques including S‑parameters, bandwidth, impedance, and signal integrity.
• Create test automation, data acquisition, and analysis software using Python.
• Improve throughput, repeatability, automation, cost and measurement accuracy.
• Correlate die measurements with downstream package and system performance.
• Drive design‑for‑test improvements and influence future device designs.
• Lead root‑cause investigations for electrical, RF, optical, and electro‑optical issues.
• Mentor junior and mid‑career engineers; review plans and methodologies.

Skills

Python programming

Test automation

Data analysis

Root-cause analysis

Mentoring

Technical documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or higher in Electrical/Optical Engineering or Physics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

JMP

Job description

• Lead development of die-level silicon photonics test and characterization strategies from early device characterization through product qualification and manufacturing readiness
• Architect and develop automated electro-optical and RF test platforms for silicon photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits
• Develop characterization methodologies for modulators, photodetectors, waveguides, couplers, resonators, and other photonic components
• Develop RF and high-speed characterization techniques, including S-parameter measurements, frequency response, electro-optical bandwidth, impedance characterization, and signal integrity measurements
• Develop test automation, data acquisition, and analysis software using Python or other programming environments
• Improve test throughput, repeatability, automation, cost, measurement accuracy, and coverage
• Analyze characterization datasets to identify performance distributions, process sensitivities, correlations, failure mechanisms, and test-efficiency opportunities
• Define test structures and characterization requirements with silicon photonics and design teams
• Partner with process integration, wafer fabrication, packaging, reliability, product engineering, and manufacturing teams
• Correlate die-level measurements with downstream package and system performance
• Drive design-for-test improvements and influence future device and PIC designs
• Lead root-cause investigations for electrical, RF, optical, and electro-optical performance issues
• Mentor and coach junior and mid-career engineers
• Review test plans, measurement methodologies, automation code, data analysis, and technical conclusions
• Delegate technically challenging projects while maintaining technical oversight
• Attend required safety training and follow EHS procedures and standards
• Depending on location, execute and maintain applicable ISO 9000, 9001, 14001, and other quality and environmental standards
• Ensure adherence to Coherent Corp.’s ICARE values

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in photonics, semiconductor, or optoelectronic device testing
• Experience with high‑precision probe stations and electrical/RF probing of semiconductor devices
• Experience with optical alignment using lenses or fibers to semiconductor devices
• Strong understanding of silicon photonic devices, including modulators, photodetectors, passive optical structures, and optical coupling techniques
• Experience developing automated laboratory or production test systems using Python or comparable programming languages
• Strong hands‑on experience with RF/microwave measurement techniques, including vector network analyzers, S-parameters, RF probing, calibration, and de-embedding
• Experience with data plotting and analysis software such as JMP, MATLAB, or Python
• Strong expertise in RF and microwave test and measurement, including VNAs, S-parameters, RF probing, calibration, de-embedding, transmission lines, and signal integrity
• Strong working knowledge of optical test equipment, including tunable lasers, optical power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, polarization controllers, optical switches, and fiber alignment systems
• Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages for test automation, instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and visualization
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause-analysis skills across optical, electrical, RF, mechanical, software, and semiconductor‑device domains
• Demonstrated ability to transfer specialized knowledge and develop documentation, procedures, training materials, and reference methodologies
• Ability to guide engineers through experimental design, measurement setup, debugging, data interpretation, and root‑cause analysis
• Ability to teach complex RF, photonics, and measurement concepts through technical explanation and hands‑on laboratory coaching
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to attend required safety training and follow site and Corporate EHS standards

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in developing and automating test and characterization strategies for silicon photonic devices, utilizing strong knowledge of RF and optical measurement techniques. Proficient in Python programming for test automation and data analysis, with a focus on improving measurement accuracy and throughput.