Lead Photonics Integration Engineer

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Photonics Engineer to serve as the Optical Integration Engineering Lead on our Research & Venture Team. This team focuses on integrating next-generation electrical, photonic, thermal, software, and AI/ML technologies into advanced test and measurement solutions across the semiconductor value chain.

In this role, you will drive the development of co-packaged optical (CPO) test systems and ensure seamless optical integration within complex semiconductor testing platforms. This position is both hands-on and highly collaborative, working with internal engineering groups, customers, suppliers, and external partners to define optical components, maintain signal integrity, and validate full optical subsystems.

Key Responsibilities

Optical System Design & Signal Integrity

• Architect and develop optical signal paths for CPO test systems used within semiconductor test environments.

• Specify optical components in collaboration with system engineering teams and customers to ensure robust Optical Signal Integrity.

• Ensure design compliance with requirements for signal integrity, long-term reliability, thermal constraints, and laser safety.

• Lead signal integrity analysis and design reviews related to optical paths, thermal factors, and mechanical influences.

System Integration & Prototyping

• Integrate optical subsystems into mechatronic systems and scale early-stage prototypes into high-volume manufacturing solutions.

• Align and optimize optical systems, cables, probes, and connectors while considering mechanical tolerances and optical losses.

• Conduct top-level tolerance analysis and serve as a subject-matter expert as needed.

Test Strategy, Validation & Characterization

• Define and execute validation strategies for optical test systems.

• Design test vehicles and optical device simulators; collaborate with foundries to produce wafers or packaged devices when required.

• Set up and operate optical test instruments, perform characterization, and document results through detailed test reports.

• Develop test plans, procure test collateral, and oversee test execution end-to-end.

Product Development & Technical Leadership

• Participate in product development teams, providing technical direction and mentoring junior engineers or contractors.

• Work closely with customers and field teams to analyze requirements and support resolution of technical issues.

• Identify risks, optimization opportunities, and strategies for advancing system design.

• Support intellectual property generation, including patent application preparation and internal invention documentation.

• Maintain project schedules, including updates to Gantt charts, and ensure smooth transition of work to downstream teams.

Project Ownership

• Lead independent design projects from concept through validation.

• Collaborate with external technology partners and manage deliverables, schedules, and technical execution.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• BS in Photonics, Optical Engineering, or related field (MS preferred).

• BS + 10 years or MS + 7 years of experience in semiconductor test, optical integration, or advanced technology environments.

Optical Signal Integrity Expertise

• Deep understanding of optical signal integrity, including polarization, laser power effects, interconnect losses, and system discontinuities.

• Experience with optical measurement tools, diagnostic instruments, and related equipment.

Optical Signal Path Design

• Demonstrated experience designing optical signal paths and performing detailed signal integrity analysis.

System Integration

• Knowledge of integrating optical components into mechatronic and thermally constrained environments.

• Experience scaling prototypes toward high-volume manufacturing.

• Understanding of alignment tolerances for optical cables, connectors, and probes.

Test Strategy & Instrumentation

• Ability to define test strategies and design optical test vehicles/simulators.

• Hands-on experience operating optical test equipment and characterizing performance/losses.

• Ability to collaborate with foundries to produce wafers or packaged devices for optical simulation or validation.

General Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal abilities and organizational skills.

• Capable of multitasking, prioritizing, and managing complex projects.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to travel as needed.

Desired Qualifications

• MS in a relevant field.

• Experience with automated test systems (wafer-level and system-level).

• Background in electronic packaging, hardware testing, or semiconductor capital equipment.

• Intermediate skills in test instrumentation, measurement systems, and experiment execution.

• Ability to read, write, or speak Japanese.