Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Aeluma; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aeluma in Santa Barbara, CA, is seeking a Senior Photonics Test Engineer to lead the specification, installation, bring-up, and optimization of measurement systems for high-speed photodiodes and photonic devices. You will manage the test lifecycle from bench prototypes to link-level validation.

The role requires deep expertise in high-speed optical test signals, RF signal integrity, fiber and free-space optics, and data analysis within a quality system.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in operating and programming high-frequency VNA/PNA equipment for multi-port device-level testing and RF calibration.
• Strong background in high-speed device testing, with hands-on experience evaluating hardware at high data rates.
• Direct experience operating and troubleshooting semi-automatic or fully automatic photodiode test stations, including optical signal alignment methods.
• Strong knowledge of digital signal processing, communication systems, transmission line theory, and RF de-embedding techniques.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, JMP, or similar for hardware automation, data processing, statistical analysis, and simulation.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement test apparatus and methods to characterize high-speed photodiodes and photoreceivers at signal modulation frequencies up to 100 Gbps and beyond, including collection of optical eye diagrams, multi-port S-parameters, linearity, and BER sensitivity.
• Conduct rigorous die- and link-level testing to characterize next-generation high-speed photodiodes to support design optimization and validation.
• Own the technical roadmap and optimization of automated test stations to collect high-frequency photodiode characteristics from large sample sizes.
• Analyze photodiode measurements in the context of device design and manufacturing process flow to identify performance bottlenecks and collaborate closely with the design teams to optimize epitaxial layer structure, die layout, and manufacturing process.
• Author and maintain scalable test procedures and automated instrument control scripts to ensure consistent and rigorously defined test methods are employed at all stages of product development.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative culture of continuous learning and growth.

Skills

High-frequency testing

VNA/PNA operation

Photodiode testing

RF/microwave engineering

Hardware automation

Python

MATLAB

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

JMP

Job description

Aeluma is seeking motivated individuals that thrive in a multidisciplinary team environment, so please contact us if this description resonates with you. We offer competitive salaries, full benefits, stock incentives, and an exciting career path that fosters growth. Please join us as we reimagine the future of semiconductor manufacturing.

Division:

Position Summary:

As Senior Photonics Test Engineer you will lead the specification, installation, bring-up, and optimization of measurement systems to characterize high-speed photodiodes and other photonic devices as components and in links. In this role, you will manage the entire test lifecycle from bench-top prototyping and automated component testing through link-level characterization and design validation. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in the generation and delivery of high-speed optical test signals and the characterization of high-speed photodiodes as components, in photoreceiver circuits, and in optical data links. A strong command of RF signal integrity, fiber- and free-space optics, and the practical design of RF/microwave electro-optic apparatus is required, as is proficiency with high-volume data storage and analysis within a quality management system. Your contribution to Aeluma’s engineering team will ensure the performance, scalability, and reliability of our advanced photonic products.

Responsibilities:

• Architect and implement test apparatus and methods to characterize high-speed photodiodes and photoreceivers at signal modulation frequencies up to 100 Gbps and beyond, including collection of optical eye diagrams, multi-port S-parameters, linearity, and BER sensitivity.
• Conduct rigorous die- and link-level testing to characterize next-generation high-speed photodiodes to support design optimization and validation.
• Own the technical roadmap and optimization of automated test stations to collect high-frequency photodiode characteristics from large sample sizes.
• Analyze photodiode measurements in the context of device design and manufacturing process flow to identify performance bottlenecks and collaborate closely with the design teams to optimize epitaxial layer structure, die layout, and manufacturing process.
• Author and maintain scalable test procedures and automated instrument control scripts to ensure consistent and rigorously defined test methods are employed at all stages of product development.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative culture of continuous learning and growth.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in operating and programming high-frequency VNA/PNA equipment for multi-port device-level testing and RF calibration.
• Strong background in high-speed device testing, with hands-on experience evaluating hardware at high data rates.
• Direct experience operating and troubleshooting semi-automatic or fully automatic photodiode test stations, including optical signal alignment methods.
• Strong knowledge of digital signal processing, communication systems, transmission line theory, and RF de-embedding techniques.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, JMP, or similar for hardware automation, data processing, statistical analysis, and simulation.