Principal Silicon Photonics Test Engineer

COHERENT; Fremont (CA); Hybrid; USD 146,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Fremont, CA is seeking an experienced Silicon Photonics Engineer to lead die-level test and characterization strategies, from early device characterization through product qualification and manufacturing readiness.

You will design automated test platforms and data workflows using Python, apply RF/microwave and optical measurement techniques, and collaborate with process, packaging, and design teams to drive test efficiency and device performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• At least 5 years of hands-on lab experience in photonics, semiconductor, or optoelectronic device testing.
• Experience with high-precision probe stations and RF probing of semiconductor devices; optical alignment to devices; RF/microwave measurement techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead die-level test strategy from characterization to manufacturing readiness.
• Develop automated test platforms and data analysis software.
• Improve test throughput and maintain measurement accuracy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to correlate measurements with system performance.
• Drive DFT improvements and lead root-cause investigations.

Skills

RF/microwave test & measurement

Python (test automation)

Optical alignment

Photonic devices knowledge

Data analysis (MATLAB/JMP)

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics

Tools

Vector network analyzer (VNA)

MATLAB

JMP

Python

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the 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 (PICs).
• Develop characterization methodologies for devices such as modulators, photodetectors, waveguides, couplers, resonators, and other passive and active photonic components.
• Develop RF and high-speed characterization techniques, including S-parameter measurements, frequency response, electro-optical bandwidth, impedance characterization, and high-speed signal integrity measurements.
• Develop test automation, data acquisition, and analysis software using Python and/or other appropriate programming environments.
• Improve test throughput, repeatability, automation, and cost while maintaining measurement accuracy and coverage.
• Analyze characterization datasets to identify performance distributions, process sensitivities, correlations, failure mechanisms, and opportunities for improved device performance and test efficiency.
• Define test structures and characterization requirements in collaboration with the silicon photonics and design team.
• Partner with process integration, wafer fabrication, packaging, reliability, product engineering, and manufacturing teams to correlate die-level measurements with downstream package and system performance.
• Drive design-for-test (DFT) improvements and influence future device and PIC designs based on characterization results and test limitations.
• Lead root-cause investigations for complex electrical, RF, optical, and electro-optical performance issues.
• Serve as a technical mentor and coach for junior and mid-career engineers, helping them develop strong fundamentals in silicon photonics, RF measurement, electro-optical characterization, and test engineering.
• Review test plans, measurement methodologies, automation code, data analysis, and technical conclusions produced by other engineers, providing constructive technical feedback and guidance.
• Delegate technically challenging projects in a way that develops engineering capability while maintaining appropriate technical oversight.

Education & Experience

• 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 with 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.

Skills

• 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 that enable others to work independently.
• Ability to guide engineers through experimental design, measurement setup, debugging, data interpretation, and root-cause analysis rather than simply providing solutions.
• Ability to teach complex RF, photonics, and measurement concepts through both technical explanation and hands-on laboratory coaching.

Working Conditions

• This position is hybrid.
• May require occasional off-site meetings or travel.
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
• Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job.
• May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently. They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

ABOUT US

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Job Identification: 2014346

Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree

Job Schedule: Full time

Pay Scale: $146,000 - $202,063 per year