Laser Characterization Engineer (Mountain View)

Laser Characterization Engineer

Lightmatter builds chips that enable extreme-scale artificial intelligence computing clusters. If you are a collaborative engineer or scientist who has a passion for innovation, solving challenging technical problems and doing impactful work like building the world's first optical computers, consider joining the team at Lightmatter!

We are hiring a Laser Characterization Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will test and characterize laser solutions for highly scaled AI datacom applications, ranging from laser dies and components to control ICs and packaged multi-chip modules. You will work closely with our cross-disciplinary engineering teams and vendors to model measurement results, analyze system performance, and identify and solve challenges from the prototyping stage through product development and high volume manufacturing. This role requires strong laboratory experience in integrated photonics and fiber optics, as well as expertise in laser and electronics testing and measurement. Analytical skills, problem-solving, and the ability to clearly communicate and document your findings are essential.

Join a tight-knit team where each individual’s contributions directly influence the success of the company and product. You'll have the opportunity to build innovative laser solutions from the ground up and tackle groundbreaking challenges. Work with people who love to build and who thrive in diverse technical environments where great ideas are prioritized.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with architecture, design, product engineering, and external vendors to understand expected component capabilities and testing needs.
• Identify challenges and close the design feedback loop with early prototyping and feasibility studies to optimize performance.
• Develop and implement test protocols to evaluate and compare different engineering approaches.
• Maintain testing equipment and develop automations to improve efficiency.
• Analyze test data, document results, and provide feedback to the development team.
• Document and communicate (orally and in written form) methodologies, data, and analyses.
• Bring  up of laser test equipment and laser modules.
• Measure impact of laser on performance of data links: BERT, OSNR.

• M.S. or PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in photonics test development, preferably integrated photonics or lasers.
• Experience in characterization of lasers and SOAs, including measurements of the optical spectrum, noise characterization, thermal dependence, and reliability.
• Experience in die-level, board-level, and wafer-scale testing.
• Experience working with test equipment including benchtop lasers, VNA, switches, OSA, ESA, BERT, optical and electrical spectrum analyzers, high speed oscilloscopes (DCA), source-meter units, reference transmitters and receivers, and/or OBR etc.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or LabView for test automation.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills to identify and solve issues during the testing process.
• Ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders with strong and clear communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience testing packaged laser modules and/or transceivers for datacom applications.
• Experience working in HVM environment from NPI to mass production.
• Experience bringing up lab equipment and experimental setups for testing lasers/SOAs.
• Willing and able to learn quickly. Self-starter with a “no task is too big or small” attitude.

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• 401k matching
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Stock Option Plan

We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role, including all US locations, is $160,000-$190,000. Your base salary will be determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.

Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.