Test Engineer, Silicon Photonics

nEye Systems, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A tech company specializing in optical systems is seeking a Photonics Systems Test Engineer to manage system testing and characterization of their optical product line. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in optical and systems testing, with strong knowledge of optical test equipment and test automation using Python. This role involves developing manufacturing readiness, automating test systems, and providing insightful data analysis. Competitive salary offered based on experience, ranging from $110,000 to $170,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 6+ years experience in systems engineering and test development.
• 4+ years experience in optical and systems testing.
• Strong experience with optical testing for telecom applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing test readiness for the optical product line.
• Design and implement new test automation systems.
• Analyze data to resolve production issues.

Skills

Optical test equipment proficiency

Root-cause analysis expertise

Python programming for test automation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics

Tools

Optical Spectrum Analyzers

NI LabView

NI TestStand

Job description

About Us

We are nEye Systems, a next generation optical switch company. Our FPPIC (fast programmable photonic integrated circuit) integrates high-radix optical circuit switching on a Si chip and is a future-proof solution for Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) systems and other high-performance computing environments. Our optical switches are poised to solve some of the biggest challenges facing the growth and adoption of AI/ML – the excessive costs of power requirements and network expansion. We are a well-funded, early-stage company and will be a key player in several multibillion $ markets.

Job Overview

Our team is seeking a skilled Photonics Systems Test Engineer to own silicon photonics system testing and characterization efforts. Your expertise will be essential in ensuring the highest levels of quality and performance for nEye’s OCS product. This position requires a hands-on understanding of a wide variety of optical metrics, optical measurement techniques and the corresponding equipment. You will not only execute tests yourself, but also design the test methodologies, evaluate equipment, and implement test automation efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Testing: 1) Develop end-to-end manufacturing test readiness for nEye’s optical product line ensuring coverage for all critical performance metrics and reliability standards; 2) Conduct Measurement System Capability and Process Capability Analysis (MSA/CpK) to validate all test results; 3) Ensure test processes adhere to standards (e.g., Telcordia, JEDEC).
• Test Systems Automation: 1) Design and implement new test equipment and fixtures (in-house or with partners) for scalability and reliability; 2) Evaluate and select optical test equipment, assessing its capability to perform desired measurements with required precision; 3) Develop and maintain robust, high-quality test and process automation software using our Python-based framework; 4) Integrate and debug test hardware/software, including defining test cases, related parameters, and acceptance limits.
• Troubleshooting, and Failure Analysis: 1) Analyze and interpret large datasets, using tools like JMP or MATLAB, to distinguish signal from noise, and drive data reports for internal and external stakeholders; 2) Lead investigations to resolve production issues to perform root-cause analysis (FMEA, 8D, 5-Whys) on electrical, mechanical, and optical failures; 3) Own the troubleshooting and validation of test stations and complex electromechanical/optical modules, using tools like Gage R&R for validation; 4) Monitor functional test yield and drive process optimization.
• Technical Strength and Documentation: 1) Collaborate and execute complex cross-functional projects with engineering and CM’s to ensure smooth handoffs and continuous improvement; 2) Create and maintain structured data and generate comprehensive written documentation, including test hardware diagrams, engineering drawings, specifications, technical reports, SOPs, and work instructions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering and test development in a hardware, high-volume, or startup environment.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience in optical and systems testing with a focus on singlemode optics and passive components for telecom and data center applications.
• Expertise with a variety of optical test equipment, such as Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA), tunable lasers, power meters, polarization synthesizers, as well as OTDR/OFDR/OCCR and detailed phase measurement techniques.
• Expertise in referencing and calibration procedures for optical test equipment.
• Strong experience in troubleshooting and root-cause analysis using formal tools.
• Ability to read and understand HW block diagrams, schematics, and circuit board layout.
• Strong proficiency in Python for test automation, scripting, and data analysis.
• Strong hands-on experience with commercial Test Executables such as NI LabView and NI TestStand.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical findings clearly to both experts and non-experts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct product experience testing specific components like DWDM filters, Mux/Demux, circulators, couplers, switches, etc.
• Comfortable working in a high-velocity, evolving environment with a willingness to travel to support manufacturing partners and field deployment as required.
• Intimate knowledge of all of the following optical metrics and their measurement techniques: IL, RL, WDL, PDL, CD, DGD, GDR, and MPI.

Compensation

$110,000 - $170,000 a year. Starting salary and title will depend on, and be commensurate with, relevant experience, skills, training, education, market demands and the ultimate job duties and requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

nEye is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.