Senior Optical Setup Engineer

Barrington James; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Barrington James partners with an established quantum technology company to recruit a Senior Optical Test Engineer who will own optical characterisation capabilities for evaluating advanced integrated photonic devices.

The role is highly practical, involving designing laboratory test systems, automating measurements, and collaborating with R&D teams to improve device performance throughout development.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering or another relevant discipline.
• Several years of industry or research experience with optical measurement systems.
• Hands‑on experience building and operating optical laboratory equipment.
• Familiarity with lasers, fibre‑optic components and precision optical alignment.
• Experience programming automated test equipment using Python, MATLAB or similar languages.
• Strong understanding of experimental data analysis and measurement uncertainty.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop optical test platforms for evaluating integrated photonic components and devices.
• Design, commission and maintain laboratory measurement setups for ambient and low-temperature testing.
• Improve efficiency and repeatability of optical measurements through automation and software development.
• Create robust characterisation methods for a wide range of photonic devices.
• Analyse experimental data to provide clear performance feedback to engineering and design teams.
• Work with photonic designers, packaging engineers and systems teams to troubleshoot devices and improve platform performance.
• Support the introduction of new testing capabilities as products move through development.
• Produce clear technical documentation covering equipment, procedures and test results.

Skills

Data analysis

Collaboration

Experimental testing

Education

MSc/PhD in Physics, Photonics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

We're partnering with an established quantum technology company that is expanding its photonics engineering team. They are looking for an experienced Senior Optical Test Engineer to take ownership of developing and improving optical characterisation capabilities used to evaluate advanced integrated photonic devices.

This is a highly practical engineering role suited to someone who enjoys designing laboratory test systems, developing automated measurement routines and working closely with R&D teams to improve device performance throughout the development cycle.

You'll work across optical hardware, software and systems engineering to create reliable test environments that support both research activities and future manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop optical test platforms for evaluating integrated photonic components and devices.


• Design, commission and maintain laboratory measurement setups for both ambient and low-temperature testing.


• Improve the efficiency and repeatability of optical measurements through automation and software development.


• Create robust characterisation methods for a wide range of photonic devices.


• Analyse experimental data to provide clear performance feedback to engineering and design teams.


• Work closely with photonic designers, packaging engineers and systems teams to troubleshoot devices and improve overall platform performance.


• Support the introduction of new testing capabilities as products move through development.


• Produce clear technical documentation covering equipment, procedures and test results.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering or another relevant discipline.


• Several years of industry or research experience working with optical measurement systems.


• Hands‑on experience building and operating optical laboratory equipment.


• Familiarity with lasers, fibre‑optic components and precision optical alignment.


• Experience programming automated test equipment using Python, MATLAB or similar languages.


• Strong understanding of experimental data analysis and measurement uncertainty.


• Comfortable working in a collaborative engineering environment.

This position has been highly popular, and it is likely that it will close shortly. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.