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Great Sky is a technology startup pursuing neuroscience-inspired hardware and algorithms to overcome scaling challenges in AI systems. We are seeking an Integrated Photonics Engineer to develop optical test and characterization workflows for integrated photonic devices central to our technology platform.
In this hands-on, high-ownership role, you will own the development of optical test infrastructure enabling rapid and automated testing of photonic interconnects consisting of PICs, lasers, and superconducting photon detectors. You will identify custom measurement solutions tailored to unique needs, perform rigorous device characterization of sub-components, and provide feedback to design and integration teams to improve device performance. This role has substantial influence on the pace and direction of hardware development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning end-to-end optical test development for photonic integrated circuits, from setup development to test plan definition
- Designing, building, and automating optical, electrical, and optoelectronic test setups and developing custom measurement solutions for chip- and package-level device characterization, including fiber-to-chip coupling and alignment automation
- Performing rigorous characterization of passive SiN photonic components (gratings, splitters, couplers, mode converters) including insertion loss, coupling efficiency, splitting ratio, bandwidth, and polarization extinction ratio measurements
- Characterizing active devices such as integrated lasers, amplifiers, and superconducting single photon detectors
- Documenting test methods and communicating findings through reports, presentations, and design reviews
- Creating methods and systems for data acquisition and processing
- Collaborating closely with multiple technical teams to accelerate development cycles
Requirements:
- BS, MS, or PhD in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or related field; or equivalent practical experience
- Hands-on experience designing, assembling, and automating optical test and characterization setups
- Experience with optical and electro-optical characterization of photonic integrated circuits, including fiber coupling, grating coupler measurements, waveguide loss measurements, and photodetector testing
- Knowledge of laser device physics and practical experience with laser characterization
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced research and development environment
- Proficiency in Python for test automation, instrument control, and data analysis
- Familiarity with design for test principles
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with SNSPD or single-photon detector characterization
- Experience with automated photonic probe stations and wafer-level testing
- Experience with databases and structured test-data management systems
