Test Automation Engineer - Silicon Photonics
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
- Test Automation & Software Development
- Design, develop, and maintain robust, scalable test automation software and libraries (using Python or C#) to interface with electrical and optical test instruments.
- Implement instrument control drivers for automated wafer probers, optical alignment systems, and bench-top laboratory equipment.
- Build automated data pipelines to stream large characterization datasets seamlessly into centralized databases (SQL/NoSQL) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
- Develop data analysis scripts to parse raw measurement data, extract key performance metrics, and generate automated test summaries.
- Electro-Optical Test Infrastructure Setup
- Configure, program, and maintain automated optical test benches incorporating advanced fiber-to-chip active alignment systems, and sub-micron motion control stages.
- Integrate and synchronize high-speed optical and RF instruments, including tunable lasers, Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSAs), Optical Power Meters, Bit Error Rate Testers (BERTs), Digital Communication Analyzers (DCAs), and Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs).
- Partner with hardware and PCB teams to specify, design, and commission custom test fixtures, loopback boards, and probe cards optimized for signal integrity.
- Device Characterization & Validation
- Execute automated test flows to characterize active and passive photonic components (e.g., Modulators, Photodetectors, Waveguides, Multiplexers/Demultiplexers, and Integrated Lasers).
- Perform link-level electro-optic validation, assessing parameters such as Eye Diagrams, Optical Modulation Amplitude (OMA), Extinction Ratio (ER), Relative Intensity Noise (RIN), Optical-Signal-to-Noise Ratio (OSNR), and Bit Error Rate (BER).
- Perform root-cause analysis and debugging of software/hardware integration anomalies, test setups, and data inconsistencies.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with PIC Design, Layout, DFT (Design for Test), Packaging, and Quality Assurance teams to translate design specs into automated testing protocols.
- Contribute to the transition of test methodologies from New Product Introduction (NPI) lab environments to high-volume manufacturing (HVM) foundry sites.
Requirements
Do you have experience in Electronics functional testing?, Do you have a Master's degree?, The ideal candidate will combine strong software engineering practices (C# or Python) with a deep understanding of electro-optical testing methodologies, enabling scalable data collection from wafer-sort to final co-packaged optics (CPO) modules., * Degree: Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electro-Optics, or a related discipline.
- Experience: 3+ years of hands-on industry experience in automated testing, with a distinct focus on semiconductor validation, silicon photonics, or optoelectronic devices.
Technical Expertise
- Programming: Advanced proficiency in C#, or Python (specifically libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, and PyVISA) or equivalent test automation environments.
- Hardware Control: Experience automating hardware subsystems, motor/motion controllers, or automated wafer probe stations (e.g., FormFactor, MPI).
- Data Analysis: Experience with data analysis tools and methodologies (e.g., JMP, MATLAB, Python-based visualization).
Soft Skills
- Strong analytical problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with distributed engineering teams and external foundry partners.
Preferred / Desired Qualifications
- Experience with Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), or pluggable optical transceivers.
- Instrumentation: Familiarity with optical and high-speed electrical lab instrumentation (lasers, power meters, VNAs, high-bandwidth real-time oscilloscopes, SMUs) is a plus.
- Familiarity with semiconductor test standards and data format structures (e.g., STDF).
- Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) or wireline equalization techniques (FFE, DFE).
- Experience implementing automated database integrations and working with source control systems (Git)., The actual starting rate will be determined based on role-related criteria, including educational qualifications or equivalent experience, relevant work history, and the skills required for the role.
Benefits & conditions
Pulled from the full job description
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Gym membership
- Life insurance, * Competitive salary
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k)
- Company paid Life Insurance
- Company paid Disability
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Gym Membership Discounts
Export Control / ITAR Statement: This position is located at a facility that operates under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be 'U.S. persons' within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a 'U.S. person' as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee., Work is primarily performed in a temperature-controlled, open cubicle setting. Frequent interruptions and conversational noise can be expected. This role may also require occasional work in a manufacturing or cleanroom environment.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements
Authorization may be required to release covered technology to employees who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees.
Compensation and Benefits
Skorpios embraces a Total Compensation philosophy that includes a base salary and eligibility for overtime for non-exempt roles.
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employee health, welfare, and retirement. Highlights include healthcare benefits, a 401(k) savings plan, and paid time off.