Silicon Photonics Test Engineer

Intel; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Intel is seeking an experienced Silicon Photonics Test Engineer to develop and execute validation for PICs, EICs, and optical sub-systems. You will build automation for VNAs, LCAs, AWGs, and oscilloscopes, and you will characterize modulators, detectors, and integrated lasers to ensure performance targets are met.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams across HW, FW, packaging, and NPI, producing reports and driving technical problem solving.

Qualifications

• Requires tested experience with Silicon Photonics devices and RFICs.
• Experience with PICs, RF probes, and high-speed optical measurement equipment.
• Automation and data collection development experience.
• Strong programming skills for instrument control and data processing.

Responsibilities

• Develop, own, and execute validation for Silicon Photonics products.
• Develop software and automation to control test equipment.
• Characterize Silicon Photonics devices (modulators, detectors, lasers).
• Validate 100G/lane and 200G/lane PAM4 transmitters/receivers, optical modules.
• Generate validation reports and communicate findings to teams.

Skills

Python

Data analytics

Automation testing

VNA/LCA testing

RF measurements

Probes & probe stations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or STEM

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

VNA

Oscilloscopes

AWGs

LCAs

DCAMs

Probe stations

Job description

Job Description

The world is transforming - and so is Intel. Intel is a company of bold and curious inventors and problem solvers who create some of the most astounding technology advancements and experiences in the world. With a legacy of relentless innovation and a commitment to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth, our diverse and brilliant teams are continually searching for tomorrow's technology and revel in the challenge that changing the world for the better brings. We work every single day to design and manufacture silicon products that empower people's digital lives. Come join us and do something wonderful.

The team is seeking an experienced Silicon Photonics Test engineer for the development of Photonics Integrated Circuits (PIC), sub-system, reference module test stations to characterize and validate PIC, EIC and system performance. The candidate will be expected to collaborate with a cross functional product development team - HW, FW, PIC, EIC, Packaging and thermal, Optics and NPI.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop, own, and execute comprehensive validation for Silicon Photonics products, including Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), Electrical Integrated Circuits (EICs), Optical sub-systems, Reference modules and advanced optical interconnect platforms.
• Develop software and automation to control: VNAs, LCAs, AWGs, Oscilloscopes, Bit-error-rate testers, SMUs, Optical instrumentation.
• Perform detailed characterization of Silicon Photonics devices, including Modulators, Photodetectors, Integrated lasers, Optical engines with RF Driver, TIA and ADC/DACs.
• Characterize and validate the performance of 100G/lane and 200G/lane PAM4 Transmitters and Receivers, FRO/LRO/LPO Modules, Near-Packaged Optics (NPO)
• Collect and analyze Small-signal performance, Large-signal performance, BER performance, Eye diagrams.
• Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration: Partner with teams spanning Silicon Photonics design, RFIC development, Packaging and thermal design, Firmware development, Manufacturing test, NPI and product engineering,
• Support subsystem integration activities and drive technical problem-solving across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Generate validation reports and clearly communicate findings and recommendations to development teams and leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors & 4+ years of experience OR Masters & 3+ years of experience OR PhD & 0 years in Electrical Engineering or STEM related field.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience testing and validating Silicon Photonics devices, RFICs, or optical communication subsystems.
• Experience working with: Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), RF probes and probe stations, Evaluation-board-based optical subsystems, High-speed electrical and optical measurement equipment.
• Experience testing optoelectronic devices, including Lasers, Modulators, Photodetectors, Optical interconnect technologies.
• Experience developing automated test environments and data collection.
• Strong programming skills for instrument control, automation, and data processing.
• Experience using Python and data analytics tools for characterization and reporting.
• Experience working with: VNA/LCA platforms, AWGs, DCAMs, High-speed oscilloscopes, Optical test equipment.
• Experience performing RF probe calibration using calibration substrates and advanced measurement methodologies.

Preferred skills

• Experience with 100G/lane PAM4, 200G/lane PAM4 DSP, RF Driver/TIA, uControllers, DACs, ADCs, Power supplies, SMUs etc.
• Python, C++ or equivalent software platform.
• Laboratory optical and electrical measurement skills.
• Use of AI tools for code generation, debug and deployment.
• Expertise in physics of opto-electronics devices and RFICs that drive opto devices.
• Require demonstrated programming skills to control and automate evaluation boards and test instruments.
• Needs to be comfortable using such equipment to create test platforms.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with optical transceiver test and calibration methodologies.
• Understand electrical and optical requirements and specifications of optical transceiver MSA. Like 800G DR8/2xFR4, 1.6T DR8/2xFR4, 800G LPO, 1.6T LRO etc.

Job Type

College Grad

Shift

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location

US, California, Santa Clara

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic inform