Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Barrington James Limited; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Barrington James Limited is seeking a Senior Photonics Test Engineer to join a rapidly growing quantum technology company developing next-generation photonic hardware for advanced computing and networking. You will own characterization of PICs and optical components, build test infrastructure, and automate measurement workflows while collaborating with design and systems teams.

This hands-on role requires expertise in optical labs, Python or MATLAB automation, and strong problem-solving and

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve optical test infrastructure for photonic device characterization.
• Test and analyze PICs and optical components at chip and wafer level.
• Develop automated measurement, data acquisition, and analysis tools using Python or MATLAB.
• Conduct optical measurements using laser, fibre-optic, and precision instrumentation systems.
• Generate performance data and provide feedback to design and fabrication teams.
• Collaborate with photonics, packaging, and systems engineers to optimize device performance and test methodologies.
• Support characterization activities across room-temperature and cryogenic environments.

Skills

Photonic testing

Python automation

PICs characterization

Optical measurements

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

MSc/PhD in Photonics/Physics/EE

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

A rapidly growing quantum technology company is seeking a Senior Photonics Test 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