A client of AlphaStaffHCM™ is searching for a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Test Engineer. The company is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. The company’s products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. Its portfolio of core technology and products offer unique capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and remote sensing applications.

Position Description 

This is a fully onsite opportunity based in Tempe, Arizona. The PIC Test Engineer will support the characterization and evaluation of photonic integrated circuits in a fabrication environment and will work closely with design and manufacturing teams to analyze device performance, improve test methods, and help strengthen foundry capabilities. This role is well suited for someone who brings hands-on experience testing photonic devices and enjoys working at the intersection of engineering development, measurement, and manufacturing.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform optical and electrical characterization of fabricated photonic integrated circuits and evaluate results against expected performance targets.
• Analyze test data to identify opportunities for design, process, or test improvements.
• Develop, refine, and support automated test procedures where appropriate to improve repeatability and throughput.
• Work with optical and electrical characterization tools such as laser swept systems, optical spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, lightwave component analyzers, interferometry, and related equipment.
• Collaborate with fabrication and design teams to review device behavior, assess fabrication robustness, and support iteration planning for future runs.
• Contribute to yield understanding, defect analysis, and overall test methodology improvement.
• Support efforts related to automated measurement, remote instrument control, and data-driven test workflows.

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience testing photonic integrated circuits involving fiber optics and/or free-space optics.
• At least 1 year of experience with high-speed electro-optic modulator characterization using tools such as VNA or LCA.
• Programming ability in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for data analysis and automation.
• Strong knowledge of waveguide theory, coupling mechanisms, and electrical and photonic device physics.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across technical teams.

Qualifications

• Experience with quantum or nonlinear photonic systems or similar applications.
• Experience testing packaged hybrid photonic/electronic devices.
• Experience with yield estimation, defect analysis, or failure analysis.
• Experience with automated test systems or lab equipment remote control.
• Exposure to 5S, Six Sigma, or similar process-improvement methodologies.

Disclaimers: AlphaStaff, Inc. and the Client are equal employment opportunity employers and do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, past or present military service, disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.