Senior Laser Systems Characterization Engineer (Hybrid)

Lightmatter; Mountain View (CA); Hybrid; USD 187,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Med/De

Retirement Savings Matching Program

Equity grants (applicable to full‑time

Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick &amp

Paid Family Leave

Short Term & Long Term Disability

Training & Development

Commuter Benefits

Flexible, hybrid workplace model

Job summary

Lightmatter, a pioneer in photonics-enabled AI data center infrastructure, seeks a Laser Characterization Engineer to own bring-up, characterization, and validation of laser modules and photonic systems. You will collaborate across controls, photonics, and production teams, translating performance specs into reproducible results and driving data-driven module specifications.

The role requires hands-on lab experience with high-speed optical testing, strong scripting skills, and clear

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience characterizing laser modules in a research or NPI environment.
• Proficiency with Python or MATLAB scripting for measurement automation and data analysis.
• Strong written communication; ability to produce well-organized characterization reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead optical performance optimization and bring-up for Guide Laser modules; define bring-up sequences.
• Develop and own the bring-up-to-eVT hand-off package with measurement summaries and pass/fail criteria.
• Own characterization campaigns involving Guide and Passage optical links; perform end-to-end validation and margin verification.
• Develop structured test plans for photonics-control specs; define measurement protocols and acceptance criteria.
• Write and maintain Python or MATLAB scripts for measurement automation and data pipelines; surface yield trends.
• Author characterization reports with methodology, results, and recommendations; communicate to stakeholders.
• Partner with the team on laser-safety interlock validation and controller characterization flows.
• Interface with production on test plan deployment, NPI transitions, and scale-up.

Skills

Python scripting

MATLAB scripting

Strong communication

SPC / R&R / JMP

Education

BS + 8 years

MS + 6 years

PhD + 3 years

Tools

Optical spectrum analyzers (OSA)

Optical power meters

Lightwave component analyzers (LCA)

High-bandwidth oscilloscopes

Signal generators

Job description

Lightmatter, a pioneer in photonics-enabled AI data center infrastructure, seeks a Laser Characterization Engineer to own bring-up, characterization, and validation of laser modules and photonic systems. You will collaborate across controls, photonics, and production teams, translating performance specs into reproducible results and driving data-driven module specifications.

The role requires hands-on lab experience with high-speed optical testing, strong scripting skills, and clear