Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer

To apply for the Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer position at Lightmatter, you should possess a Master’s degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 8 years of proven experience in silicon photonics test development is required, along with at least 2 years of experience leading testing efforts. Candidates with a Ph.D. in relevant fields are preferred, and hands-on lab experience with optoelectronics testing is essential.

The main responsibilities of a Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer at Lightmatter include architecting wafer and package level characterization/test strategies, creating detailed test plans, and executing tests on the company's Silicon Photonic products. You'll collaborate with design teams to develop test concepts, setup optical equipment, and help engage with validation teams. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing test software and defining rules for testing throughout the technology concept phase.

Essential skills for the Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer role at Lightmatter include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficiency in Python for test automation, and a good understanding of photonic integrated components and circuits. Experience with industry-standard photonics test equipment and the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences are also important for success in this position.

The work environment for the Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer at Lightmatter is dynamic and collaborative, featuring a flexible, hybrid workplace model. You'll be part of a growing interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers focused on innovation and excellence in photonics technology. The culture promotes continuous learning, with various training and development opportunities available.

Working as a Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer at Lightmatter comes with an extensive benefits package, including a comprehensive healthcare plan, retirement savings matching, generous time off, paid family leave, and equity grants. The company values its employees and offers a supportive environment designed for both personal and professional growth.

In responding to this question, share specific projects where you've conducted wafer-level testing. Highlight your understanding of test setups and outcomes, and mention any problems you encountered and how you solved them, demonstrating your analytical skills.

Discuss your strategies for effective communication with technical teams. Provide examples showing how you worked with design to refine test strategies and how feedback loops improve both testing and product development.

Explain your preferred tools and methods for analyzing test results. Discuss your experiences with data extraction and analysis software, and emphasize the importance of accurate data interpretation in influencing design.

Share a specific challenge from your professional experience that required innovative thinking. Outline the steps you took to address the issue, highlighting your problem-solving skills and resilience.

Choose a significant test plan you've executed, providing details on its objectives, methodology, and outcomes. Discuss the impact it had on the project or product line and any adjustments you made based on results.

Convey your commitment to continuous learning by discussing professional networks, conferences, journals, and other resources you use. Mention how this knowledge informs your work and keeps you ahead in the field.

Talk about your strategies for streamlining testing processes, such as automating repetitive tasks with Python or implementing best practices learned from past experiences to minimize error and maximize efficiency.

Describe your proficiency with optical testing equipment, pointing out specific instruments you're familiar with. Share how you optimize their use in your testing processes to achieve reliable results.

Discuss how you organize and document findings in a way that is accessible for future reference. Highlight the importance of documentation for knowledge sharing and collaboration, and any tools you use for this purpose.

Describe scenarios where your insights or findings positively impacted design decisions or project trajectories. Highlight your ability to communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences.