> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2736460-tech-lead-optical-test-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2736460-tech-lead-optical-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). --- # Tech Lead Optical Test Engineer - **Company:** Astera Labs - **Location:** San Jose, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $185,000.0 - $240,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Adobe InDesign, Automation of Tests, Content Management Interoperability Services, Computer Programming, Data Visualization, Python (Programming Language), LabVIEW, MATLAB, Performance Tuning, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Test Data, IEEE 802.3, Build Management - **Published:** September 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/tech-lead-optical-test-engineer-astera-labs-8910309 ## About the Role * M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a related discipline. * 5-7+ years of experience in optical testing, photonic device characterization, or optical transceiver development. * Strong understanding of silicon photonics devices (modulators, photodetectors, multiplexers, grating couplers, edge couplers). * Hands-on experience with optical test equipment: OSA, OMA, tunable lasers, polarization controllers, power meters, high-speed real-time oscilloscopes, BERT/pattern generators. * Proficiency in high-speed optical link testing (100G/lane and above, PAM4, NRZ). * Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or C/C++ for test automation. * Knowledge of optical communication standards (IEEE 802.3, OIF-CEI, CMIS). * Familiarity with statistical analysis methods and data visualization tools. Preferred Qualifications * Experience specifically with co-packaged optics or on-board optics architectures. * Experience with wafer-level optical probing and testing tool hardware & software as well as automated photonics test platforms. * Experience in transitioning test processes from lab/prototype to high-volume manufacturing (HVM). ## Description We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Tech Lead - Optical Test Engineer to contribute to the development and deployment of optical test solutions for silicon photonics devices and optical modules. This role will support definition of test methodologies, drive key portions of test development, and lead technical efforts within a broader test organization. The ideal candidate has solid experience in optical testing, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate across teams to enable efficient characterization, validation, and production testing. Key Responsibilities * Define and implement optical test architectures and test flows across optical wafer probe test, package level test & characterization and optical module validation. * Execute characterization and qualification testing of CPO components and assemblies. * Perform high-speed optical measurements including insertion loss, return loss, extinction ratio, eye diagram analysis, BER testing, and optical modulation amplitude (OMA). * Characterize optical performance parameters such as wavelength accuracy, channel spacing, spectral linearity, and crosstalk for WDM-based CPO architectures. * Design and build optical test stations incorporating fiber alignment systems, optical switches, tunable lasers, optical spectrum analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes, and BER testers. * Develop test automation software, automated test scripts & frameworks using Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar platforms. * Implement high-throughput test solutions suitable for wafer-scale and production-level testing. * Analyze large-scale optical test data to identify trends, failure modes, and yield-limiting factors. * Generate statistical reports (Cpk, GR&R, SPC) to monitor process stability and test repeatability. * Collaborate with design and process engineering teams to provide feedback for performance optimization. * Create and maintain test documentation, SOPs, and knowledge base articles. * Interface with external suppliers and foundries on silicon photonics wafer-level test requirements. * Participate in design reviews to ensure testability and provide DFT (Design for Test) recommendations. ## Related Videos - [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) - [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) - [Dirty Tests And How To Clean Them](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/515-dirty-tests-and-how-to-clean-them) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Stop Guessing, Start Measuring: Evaluating RAG Systems with Synthetic Test Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1982-stop-guessing-start-measuring-evaluating-rag-systems-with-synthetic-test-data) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [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) - [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [A call for Guest Writers for the WeAreDevelopers Magazine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/648-a-call-for-guest-writers-for-the-wearedevelopers-magazine)