Senior Photonics Systems & Characterization Engineer

Analog Devices; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 131,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Vision & Dental

401k

Paid vacation & holidays

Sick time

Job summary

Analog Devices, Inc. in Wilmington, DE, invites a hands-on engineer to advance photonics projects across devices, systems, packaging, controls, and datacenter optics. You will lead photonics bring-up, characterize demonstrator platforms, and own the Wilmington lab.

The role emphasizes Python-driven automation, data analysis, and close collaboration with photonic IC designers, high-speed electronics teams, and packaging engineers to shape ADI’s photonics roadmap.

Qualifications

• PhD in Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics or related technical discipline.
• Hands-on experience with optical characterization.
• Strong understanding of integrated photonics.
• Experience with optical communication systems.
• Proficiency in Python for automation and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to independently bring up laboratory hardware and measurement systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead characterization of photonic demonstrator platforms.
• Develop and execute optical, electrical, thermal, and system-level test plans.
• Perform measurements including optical spectrum analysis and high-speed modulation testing.
• Own day-to-day operation of the Wilmington photonics laboratory.

Skills

Integrated photonics

Optical communications

Python automation

Optical characterization

Education

PhD in Photonics

Job description

About Analog Devices

Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) is a global semiconductor leader that bridges the physical and digital worlds to enable breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. ADI combines analog, digital, AI, and software technologies into solutions that combat climate change, reliably connect humans and the world, and help drive advancements in automation and robotics, mobility, healthcare, energy and data centers. With revenue of more than $11 billion in FY25, ADI ensures today’s innovators stay Ahead of What’s Possible. Learn more at www.analog.com and on LinkedIn and X.

Analog Devices is building new capabilities in integrated photonics, optical communications, co-packaged optics (CPO), near-packaged optics (NPO), and advanced optical control systems. We are investing in both internal laboratory capability and external collaborations with leading universities, foundries, and research institutions. Our Wilmington photonics lab is now operational and supporting multiple demonstrator programs spanning silicon photonics,microringmodulators, and next-generation optical interconnect technologies.

We are looking for a hands-on engineer who enjoys building systems, solving difficult measurement challenges, and working at the intersection of photonics, electronics, packaging, and control.

Key Responsibilities

Photonics System Bring-Up & Characterization

• Lead characterization of photonic demonstrator platforms.
• Develop and execute optical, electrical, thermal, and system-level test plans.
• Perform measurements including:
• Optical spectrum analysis
• High-speed modulation testing
• BER characterization
• Thermal tuning and resonance characterization
• OptoelectronicControl-loop validation
• Eye diagram and signal integrity analysis
• Die and wafer level measurements
• Correlate laboratory results to system-level optical interconnect requirements.

Laboratory Ownership

• Own day-to-day operation of the Wilmington photonics laboratory.
• Specify, commission,maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Develop laboratory procedures and characterization methodologies.
• Support future lab capability expansion and equipment procurement.

Automation & Data Analysis

• Develop Python-based automation frameworks.
• Create repeatable characterization workflows.
• Analyze large measurement datasets.
• Generate technical reports and engineering recommendations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

• Photonic IC designers
• High-speed electronics teams
• Packaging engineers
• University collaborators
• Foundry and OSAT partners

Currently ADI collaborates withUniversities, institutes, and multiple photonic technology suppliers.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in:
• Photonics
• Optics
• Electrical Engineering
• Applied Physics
• Related technical discipline
• Hands-on experience with optical characterization.
• Strong understanding of integrated photonics.
• Experience with optical communication systems.
• Proficiencyin Python for automation and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to independently bring up laboratory hardware and measurement systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Siliconphotonicsexperience.
• Microringresonator characterization.
• TFLN device experience.
• High-speed optical communications.
• PIC packaging and fiber alignment experience.
• Co-packaged optics (CPO) or datacenter optical interconnect experience.
• Experience working with photonic foundries and academic collaborators.

Why This Role Matters

The successful candidate will playa central rolein helping ADIestablishinternal photonicsexpertiseand validate future optical connectivity architectures. The position offers a unique opportunity to work across devices, systems, packaging, controls, and advanced datacenter technologies while helping shape ADI’s long-term photonics roadmap.

For positions requiring access to technical data, Analog Devices, Inc. may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, applicants for this position – except US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, and protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) – may have to go through an export licensing review process.

Analog Devices is an equal opportunity employer. We foster a culture where everyone has an opportunity to succeed regardless of their race, color, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, union membership, and political affiliation, or any other legally protected group.

EEO is the Law: Notice of Applicant Rights Under the Law.

Job Req Type: Experienced

Required Travel: Yes, 10% of the time

Shift Type: 1st Shift/Days

The expected wage range for a new hire into this position is $131,285 to $190,108.

• Actual wage offered may vary depending on work location, experience, education, training, external market data, internal pay equity, or other bona fide factors.
• This position qualifies for a discretionary performance-based bonus which is based on personal and company factors.
• This position includes medical, vision and dental coverage, 401k, paid vacation, holidays, and sick time, and other benefits.