Senior Electrical Engineer

Photon Kinetics; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Photon Kinetics in Beaverton, OR is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to own analog, mixed-signal, and data-acquisition electronics for its precision test instruments. You will guide designs from concept through prototype to production, handling signals from DC to 2 GHz and contributing to embedded firmware.

You will collaborate across manufacturing, applications, and customer service to ensure reliability and manufacturability, mentor junior engineers, and uphold Photon Kinetics' standards

Qualifications

• BSEE or MSEE, or equivalent education/experience.
• 4+ years designing analog and mixed-signal circuits.
• Experience with low-noise signal chains and data-acquisition systems.
• Proficiency with SPICE and PCB realization.
• PCB CAD tools and routing expertise in mixed-signal boards.
• Embedded systems knowledge and microcontroller programming.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain analog and mixed-signal circuits from DC to 2 GHz.
• Design ultra-low-noise photodiode front ends and signal conditioning circuits.
• Perform SPICE simulations and bench testing; document results.
• Lead designs from concept to production release; collaborate cross-functionally.

Skills

Analog/mixed-signal design

SPICE simulation

PCB layout & routing

Embedded systems programming

Project management

Technical communication

Education

BSEE or MSEE, or equivalent

Tools

Altium Designer

PCB CAD tools

Microcontroller toolchains

Job description

Photon Kinetics is the world’s trusted standard in optical fiber testing and measurement solutions. For more than 40 years, our instruments have helped fiber and cable manufacturers deliver the performance that enables high-speed communication networks around the globe. 95% of the world’s optical fiber has been tested using our equipment. As the world moves deeper into AI-driven computing and hyperscale data centers, the demand for precise measurement and reliable optical infrastructure continues to grow. Photon Kinetics is applying its expertise in measurement science, automation, and precision systems to help build the connectivity backbone that powers the next generation of data and AI technologies.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Senior Electrical Engineer is a core member of the Product Development Engineering team, responsible for designing, developing, and improving the analog, mixed-signal, and data-acquisition electronics at the heart of Photon Kinetics' test and measurement instruments. You will work across the full design lifecycle—from initial concept and SPICE simulation through PCB layout, prototyping, and production release. Your circuits will handle signals from DC to 2 GHz, including ultra-low-noise photodiode front ends, small-signal amplifier chains, and precision power supplies. You will also contribute to microcontroller firmware for bare-metal and embedded systems. This role requires a hands-on engineer who thrives on solving difficult measurement problems and who values the kind of precision and reliability that define Photon Kinetics' reputation in the industry.

WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE IN YEAR ONE

• Deliver Production-Ready Circuit Designs: Complete at least one major analog or mixed-signal design from concept through validated prototype, meeting performance specifications and ready for manufacturing release.
• Strengthen Product Development Engineering Capability: Establish yourself as a go-to resource for analog and mixed-signal design within the team. Contribute to design reviews, mentor junior engineers where appropriate, and help build repeatable design practices for low-noise signal chains and data-acquisition systems.
• Support Manufacturing and Customer Success: Work with Manufacturing Engineering to develop test procedures and resolve production issues for new and existing products. Provide technical support to Customer Service when field problems require deep electrical expertise.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and maintain analog and mixed-signal circuits from DC to 2 GHz, including small-signal amplifier chains, precision data-acquisition systems, and DC-DC power supplies
• Design ultra-low-noise photodiode front ends and signal conditioning circuits for high-performance optical measurement instruments
• Perform detailed analytical and experimental analysis of electrical circuits using SPICE simulation and bench testing; document results clearly and thoroughly
• Manage designs from initial concept through schematic capture, PCB layout optimization (component placement and signal routing), prototyping, and production release

Firmware & Embedded Systems

• Contribute to microcontroller firmware development for bare-metal and embedded systems used in PK instruments
• Participate in programming, debugging, and testing of microcontroller-based subsystems

Manufacturing & Customer Support

• Assist Manufacturing in developing test procedures and diagnosing problems during production startup of new products
• Define testing and acceptance criteria for finished products
• Provide technical support for Customer Service and Marketing when field issues require electrical engineering expertise
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to cross-functional project teams
• Monitor trends and innovations in components, technologies, and techniques relevant to Photon Kinetics' product lines
• Continuously improve the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of PK products
• Develop an understanding of Photon Kinetics' products, key markets, and customer applications

Leadership & Development

• May manage or lead projects of broad scope and complexity to develop and introduce new or significantly enhanced products into manufacturing
• May train or mentor less experienced engineers
• Comply with all Photon Kinetics quality procedures and work instructions

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BSEE or MSEE, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 4+ years of hands-on experience designing analog and mixed-signal circuits
• Demonstrated experience with low-noise signal chain design and data-acquisition systems
• Proficiency with SPICE simulation and analytical circuit design techniques from concept through physical PCB realization
• Experience with PCB CAD tools and an understanding of component placement and signal routing for mixed-signal boards
• Working knowledge of microcontroller programming and embedded systems
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Altium Designer or comparable PCB design tools
• Familiarity with Microchip PIC microcontrollers and associated toolchain
• Knowledge of high-performance industrial test and measurement instrumentation
• Exposure to fiber-optic test and measurement techniques, including OTDRs
• Experience working effectively as both a team contributor and a project lead

WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT

• Hands-on design ownership—your circuits ship in instruments used by fiber manufacturers worldwide
• Work across the full signal path, from ultra-low-noise photodiode front ends to digital data acquisition and embedded firmware
• Collaborate directly with Manufacturing, Applications, and Customer Service—short feedback loops from design to production to field performance
• Join the company whose equipment tests 95% of the world's optical fiber—your designs directly support the infrastructure behind AI, data centers, and global communications
• A team of approximately 65 people where engineering decisions are visible, your contributions are recognized, and your work matters

WHY JOIN PHOTON KINETICS

You’ll work on technologies that enable the next wave of AI and data center innovation. At Photon Kinetics, you’ll join a highly skilled, collaborative team where your contributions directly impact the products and relationships that connect the world. You’ll have visibility and influence in a company recognized globally for engineering excellence, precision, and trusted performance. We value different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. The best solutions come from teams that think differently.