Senior Test Engineer, Photonics Systems

Thrively is partnering with an innovative, well-funded hardware startup at the intersection of MEMS, silicon photonics, and AI-scale infrastructure
. The team is developing a next-generation optical switching technology designed to eliminate data-center interconnect bottlenecks and enable ultra-high-performance GPU fabrics.

Their product is a compact, chip-scale optical switching platform with exceptionally low power consumption, high radix, and breakthrough scalability, positioning the company as a transformative player in next-generation AI and high-performance compute networks.

We are seeking a Senior/Staff Photonics Systems Test Engineer to own system-level silicon photonics testing and characterization. This engineer will define test methodologies, develop automation, evaluate optical measurement equipment, and execute hands-on testing to ensure the highest levels of performance and reliability.

You will work across hardware, photonics, and validation teams to mature testing from bench-level characterization through scalable, manufacturing-ready processes.

• Build end-to-end test readiness for the company’s optical product line, ensuring coverage for all critical performance and reliability metrics.
• Conduct Measurement System Capability and Process Capability Analysis (MSA/CpK).
• Ensure test processes comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., Telcordia, JEDEC).

• Design and implement test equipment and fixtures—both internally developed and through external partners.
• Evaluate and select optical test instruments to ensure required precision and measurement capability.
• Develop and maintain high-quality Python-based test and process automation
  .
• Integrate and debug test hardware/software, defining test cases, parameters, and acceptance criteria.

• Own troubleshooting and validation of complex electromechanical and optical test stations.
• Apply Gage R&R, DOE, JMP, MATLAB, and statistical tools to separate signal from noise.
• Lead structured root-cause investigations (
  FMEA, 8D, 5-Whys
  ).
• Monitor test yield and drive test-process optimization.

• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams and contract manufacturers.
• Produce thorough documentation: test diagrams, engineering drawings, specifications, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Maintain organized, accessible, and traceable test data.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics
  , or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of experience in systems engineering or test development within hardware, high-volume manufacturing, or startup environments.
• 4+ years hands-on experience in optical and systems testing focused on single mode optics and passive components for telecom/datacenter applications.
• Strong proficiency with optical test equipment, including:
• OSA, tunable lasers, power meters, polarization synthesizers
• Expertise in referencing and calibration for optical test instruments.
• Strong background in troubleshooting using structured root-cause tools.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, block diagrams, and PCB layouts
  .
• Proficiency in Python for automation and data analysis.
• Hands-on experience with LabVIEW and/or NI Test Stand
  .
• Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Direct test experience with components such as DWDM filters, Mux/Demux, circulators, couplers, and optical switches
  .
• Experience working in fast-moving, high-growth environments.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to support manufacturing partners.
• Familiarity with optical metrics and characterization methodologies including:
• IL, RL, WDL, PDL, CD, DGD, GDR, MPI

Thrively is managing this search directly. Interested candidates may apply via Linked In or contact the Thrively recruiting team for more information.