Photonics Control and Test Engineer

Photonics Control and Test Engineer | Santa Clara | $220 - 240k + Bonus & Equity

About the Company

We are supporting a fast-growing, venture-backed technology company building next-generation integrated photonic systems for high-performance applications. Their platform combines cutting-edge optics, electronics, and software to enable scalable, energy-efficient solutions for advanced data and communication technologies.

The Role

We’re looking for a Photonics Control & Test Engineer to design, implement, and validate advanced control systems for integrated photonic circuits. This is a hands-on, multidisciplinary role where you’ll work at the intersection of photonics, control theory, and embedded systems.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring optical performance through robust control algorithms, system modeling, and rigorous testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive test plans, scripts, and validation methodologies
• Develop control algorithms for initialization and stabilization of photonic components (e.g. lasers, ring modulators, MZIs, optical filters)
• Build and optimize multi-loop control systems across complex photonic platforms
• Execute validation testing to assess signal integrity and system performance under varying conditions
• Analyze measurement data using statistical and visualization techniques
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across photonics, hardware, and firmware

What We’re Looking For

• Strong foundation in control theory (e.g. PID control, signal processing) with real-world implementation experience
• Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (e.g. optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, interferometers)
• Proficiency in Python (or similar) for test automation and scripting
• Deep understanding of photonic components and systems (lasers, modulators, amplifiers, filters, photodetectors)
• Experience with optical modeling and simulation tools
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Education & Experience

• MSc in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field + 5+ years industry experience OR PhD in a relevant field + 2+ years industry experience

Why Join?

• Work on cutting-edge photonic technologies shaping the future of connectivity
• Highly collaborative, deep-tech environment
• Opportunity to have real impact in a rapidly scaling company