We are looking for a hands-on photonics experimentalist and test systems engineer to design, build, and scale the systems used to measure, validate, and productionize our optical platform.
This is not a traditional “test execution” role.
You will own how optical systems are measured, from first prototypes through high-volume production. This includes defining measurement strategies, building custom test systems, developing automation and analysis frameworks, and closing the loop between design, fabrication, and system performance.
Key Responsibilities
Architect and develop custom electro-optical test platforms at wafer, die, and module levels
Design and integrate instrumentation such as optical spectrum analyzers, tunable lasers, polarization control systems, and RF/electro-optical measurement setups
Build scalable, production-ready test racks and infrastructure
Drive Measurement Strategy & InsightDefine and validate key optical performance metrics (e.g., insertion loss, return loss, polarization-dependent loss, chromatic dispersion)
Develop novel measurement techniques and calibration methods where needed
Use DOE, statistical methods, and modeling to extract signal and guide design decisions
Bridge R&D to ManufacturingOwn the transition from lab validation to high-volume production test
Establish MSA, CpK, SPC, and yield monitoring frameworks
Support transfer of test systems to contract manufacturers and production partners
Close the Loop with DesignCollaborate with photonics, device, and systems engineers to identify performance limitations and failure modes
Debug complex issues across optical, electrical, and mechanical domains
Drive design improvements based on test data
Build Automation & Data SystemsDevelop scalable test automation frameworks using Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools
Create data pipelines and analysis tools (e.g., JMP, MATLAB, Python)
Enable rapid debugging, visualization, and data-driven decision-making
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
6+ years of experience in photonics test, optical systems, or experimental optics
Hands-on experience building and debugging optical measurement systems (not just running tests)
Familiarity with telecom, datacenter optics, or silicon photonics systems
Experience with wafer-, die-, or module-level characterization
Experience building test systems from scratch and scaling them into production
Ability to bridge design, test, and manufacturing workflows
Background working with transceivers, PICs, modulators, lasers, or optical switching systems
Strong understanding of optical measurement physics
Experience with DOE, SPC, GRR, and yield optimization
Optical instrumentation: OSA, tunable lasers, OTDR/OFDR, VNA, BERT, polarization systems
Automation: Python (preferred), LabVIEW/TestStand
Data analysis: JMP, MATLAB, or similar tools
Preferred Qualification
Direct product experience testing specific components like DWDM filters, Mux/Demux, circulators, couplers, switches, etc.
Comfortable working in a high-velocity, evolving environment with a willingness to travel to support manufacturing partners and field deployment as required
Intimate knowledge of all of the following optical metrics and their measurement techniques: IL, RL, WDL, PDL, CD, DGD, GDR, and MPI
nEye Systems Berkeley, California, USA Office
Berkeley, CA, United States
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