Senior Photonics Design Engineer

Barrington James; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Barrington James is seeking a Senior Photonics Test Engineer to lead the characterization of photonic integrated circuits and optical components. You will build and automate test workflows, collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to boost performance and manufacturability.

The role involves hands-on laboratory work across room-temperature and cryogenic environments, with emphasis on developing robust test infrastructure and data-driven feedback for hardware advancement.

Qualifications

• Experience characterizing integrated photonic devices or optical components.
• Hands-on optical laboratory setups and measurement systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve optical test infrastructure for photonic device characterization
• Perform testing and analysis of passive and active photonic integrated circuits at both chip and wafer level
• Develop automated measurement, data acquisition, and analysis tools using Python or similar programming languages
• Conduct optical measurements using laser, fibre-optic, and precision instrumentation systems
• Generate performance data and provide actionable feedback to design and fabrication teams
• Collaborate with photonics, packaging, and systems engineers to optimize device performance and test methodologies
• Support characterization activities across both room-temperature and cryogenic environments

Skills

Python automation

Data analysis

Analytical problem solving

Communication & collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

A rapidly growing quantum technology company is seeking a Senior Photonics Design Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation photonic hardware for advanced computing and networking applications.

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of integrated photonics, optical engineering, and emerging quantum technologies, helping to develop and characterize the photonic devices that will enable future large-scale systems.

The Role

As a Senior Photonics Test Engineer, you will take ownership of the characterization and testing of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and optical components. You will develop and enhance test infrastructure, automate measurement workflows, and collaborate closely with design and systems teams to improve device performance and manufacturability.

This is a highly hands-on position suited to someone who enjoys experimental work, solving complex technical challenges, and working closely with cutting-edge hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve optical test infrastructure for photonic device characterization
• Perform testing and analysis of passive and active photonic integrated circuits at both chip and wafer level
• Develop automated measurement, data acquisition, and analysis tools using Python or similar programming languages
• Conduct optical measurements using laser, fibre-optic, and precision instrumentation systems
• Generate performance data and provide actionable feedback to design and fabrication teams
• Collaborate with photonics, packaging, and systems engineers to optimize device performance and test methodologies
• Support characterization activities across both room-temperature and cryogenic environments

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or a related discipline
• Experience characterizing integrated photonic devices or optical components
• Hands-on experience with optical laboratory setups and measurement systems
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages for automation and data analysis
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities