Senior Photonics Integrated Circuit Test Engineer

Raytheon; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 95,500 - 181,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Raytheon is seeking a photonics test engineer to develop and conduct rigorous testing for integrated photonic components across die, wafer, and sub-assembly levels in a US San Diego facility.

You will implement test methodologies for device performance, select components for wideband electronic-photonic programs, and design fixtures to expand benchtop capabilities. Mentorship and cross-team collaboration are key aspects of the role.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree and 5 years of relevant experience.
• Lab experience in optical engineering tests, optical alignment systems, and design verification testing.
• Experience in Silicon Photonics, Optoelectronics, MEMS R&D, or related photonics product development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct testing for photonic components, sub-systems, and systems at die, wafer, and sub-assembly levels.
• Implement test methodologies to evaluate device performance based on design specs, optical power, polarization, spectra, and environment.
• Contribute to selection of photonic components and embedded/digital signal processing solutions for development programs.
• Design mechanical fixtures and accessories to enhance benchtop test capabilities.
• Perform architectural trade studies on wideband RF and hybrid electronic-photonic components and subsystems.
• Support development of new hybrid electronic-photonic capabilities.
• Provide guidance, coaching, mentoring, and training to employees.

Skills

Lab testing experience

Optical alignment

Data acquisition for tests

RF testing

Education

STEM degree

MS/PhD in Physics/Optics/Photonic

Tools

Ansys HFSS

Lumerical

Cadence

Synopsys

Job description

Location: US-CA-SAN DIEGO-15110 ~ 15110 Ave of Science ~ SCIENCE, Ste 200. Posted: 2026-07-06. Country: United States of America.

Position Role Type: Onsite. U.S. citizenship required for security clearance. Security clearance type: DoD Clearance: Secret. Clearance status: Active and existing required after day 1.

What You Will Do

• Develop and conduct testing for integrated photonic components, sub-systems, and systems at the die (PICs), wafer, and sub-assembly levels.
• Implement test methodologies to evaluate photonic device performance based on design specifications, optical power, polarization, spectra, and environmental conditions.
• Contribute to the selection of COTS/custom photonic components (discrete and silicon photonics), RF electronics, mixed-signal electronics, and embedded/digital signal processing solutions for wideband electronic and hybrid electronic-photonic development programs.
• Design mechanical fixtures and identify accessories to enhance and expand benchtop test capabilities.
• Perform architectural trade studies on systems and sub-systems related to wideband RF and hybrid electronic-photonic components and sub-systems.
• Support the development and implementation of new hybrid electronic-photonic capabilities.
• Provide guidance, coaching, mentoring, and training to employees across the business in areas of expertise.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and 5 years of prior relevant experience.
• Lab experience in optical engineering tests, optical alignment systems, fiber-waveguide coupling, and/or design verification testing.
• Experience in Silicon Photonics, Optoelectronics, MEMS R&D, and/or related photonics product development.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Proficiency in programming languages for test automation and accurate, efficient data acquisition.
• Experience in RF testing and characterization of photonic devices, including the use of tunable lasers, OSAs, switches, and attenuators.
• Familiarity with discrete and integrated components (Silicon, Silicon Nitride, and compound‑semiconductor technologies).
• Hands‑on experience with high‑speed test equipment such as bit error rate testers, digital communication analyzers, real‑time oscilloscopes, and vector network analyzers.
• Experience with silicon and compound semiconductor fabrication technologies.
• Proficiency in integrated photonics modeling and electronic design tools (e.g., Ansys HFSS, Lumerical, Cadence, Synopsis).
• Knowledge of microelectronic and photonic integrated circuit packaging technologies.
• Experience with high-performance mixed‑signal systems (ADCs, DACs, FPGAs).
• Demonstrated excellence in engaging with customers and decision‑makers.
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Physics, Optics, Photonics, or a related field.

What We Offer

• Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
• Relocation eligibility – relocation assistance available.
• Salary range: $95,500 – $181,700 USD.

Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent on the specific business unit and whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

This role is U.S.-based. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.