> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1206215-photonics-test-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1206215-photonics-test-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Photonics Test Engineer - **Company:** MIT Lincoln Laboratory - **Location:** Lexington, MA, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $100,200.0 - $120,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Data Analysis, Automation of Tests, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Systems Development Life Cycle, Data Processing, PIC Microcontroller - **Published:** July 8, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9018134/photonics-test-engineer ## About the Role * Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical field * At least two years of experience in photonic integrated circuit testing, ideally including both passive and active optical devices. * Familiarity with common test equipment such as optical probe stations, tunable lasers, oscilloscopes, source meters, power meters, spectrum analyzers, and similar instrumentation * Experience with data analysis and test scripting using Python, MATLAB, or a similar tool * Ability to troubleshoot test setups, identify root causes of measurement issues, and document findings clearly * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in data collection, interpretation, analysis, and reporting, including the communication of test results through reports, plots, and summaries to relevant teams. * Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering teams Desired Qualifications: * Experience with automated wafer testing * Familiarity with the working principles of photonic, semiconductor, or RF devices like lasers, electro-optic modulators, transmission lines, optical fiber, optical amplifiers, etc. * Understanding of photonic device characterization such as insertion loss, wavelength response, IV/CV measurements, dark current, responsivity, or high-speed performance * Knowledge of statistical data analysis, yield analysis, and measurement system repeatability * Experience supporting engineering builds ## Description The group seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented, curious, and driven scientist or engineer to join our integrated photonics testing team. The successful candidate will join a close-knit, dynamic team working at the forefront of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) platform and systems development. In this role, the successful candidate will perform wafer-level and chip-scale measurements on photonic integrated circuits and develop custom test systems for characterizing unique PIC chips and subsystems. As a key member of the team, they will be responsible for providing mission-critical feedback on device and system performance. The candidate will operate and maintain photonic test setups, using optical probe stations, fiber-optic assemblies, and optical or electro-optical test instrumentation to characterize devices and subsystems at the wafer, chip, and package levels. This work will support both PIC-related research and the development of prototype systems. Responsibilities include constructing testbeds, performing measurements, collecting and analyzing data, troubleshooting device behavior, and collaborating closely with design, fabrication, and systems teams to enhance device performance, yield, and test repeatability. A key aspect of this role is supporting both manual probe station work and automated wafer-level testing. The successful candidate will help set up, run, and maintain automated test routines. The expectation is that this individual will become an expert in PIC measurement techniques, test automation, and data processing. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys a combination of hands-on lab work, problem-solving, and software-enabled test automation in a fast-paced photonics environment. ## Related Videos - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [Implementing continuous delivery in a data processing pipeline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/73-implementing-continuous-delivery-in-a-data-processing-pipeline) - [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. Live Coding)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100196-photonic-computing-programming-a-new-class-of-ai-accelerators-incl-live-coding) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Strange New Worlds: shaping the future of the digital age](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/677-strange-new-worlds-shaping-the-future-of-the-digital-age) ## Related Articles - [A call for Guest Writers for the WeAreDevelopers Magazine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/648-a-call-for-guest-writers-for-the-wearedevelopers-magazine) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Data Science & more: The Lopez dilemma](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/10-data-science-more-the-lopez-dilemma) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers)