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InPho is a fast-growing startup developing cutting-edge optoelectronic solutions for next-generation communications and photonic systems. The company is focused on integrated photonics and semiconductor packaging, with a new class of electro-photonic chips designed to revolutionize the optical interconnect market by enabling lower-cost systems, higher price/performance architectures, and new generations of high-speed interconnects.
The Manager, Test & Validation Engineering will lead a team responsible for testing and validating InPho's next-generation InP-based photonic chips. This hands-on role combines technical and people leadership to ensure chips from the fab and used in product design meet defined quality, performance, functionality, and reliability standards. The role is critical to providing reliable chips and data to the design team, enabling them to move at high velocity.
Key responsibilities include:
**Validation:** Oversee complex test and validation of chips, defining validation strategies, test architecture, and characterization methodologies. Manage time-domain (PAM4 eye quality), frequency-domain (s-parameters), chirp, linewidth, RIN, and spectral measurements. Lead EVT/DVT planning, execution, and technical sign-off, defining test coverage and acceptance criteria for high-speed InP Modulators, EMLs, photodetectors, and novel electro-optical components. Work closely with design to validate performance and resolve issues. Drive test automation, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives. Define KPIs for validation effectiveness, yield, and test throughput. Oversee data analysis and reporting to identify and address issues with corrective action.
**Test Operations:** Work with the Lab Manager to ensure test infrastructure, capability, capacity, and equipment availability for current and future high-volume chip testing. Oversee visual inspection, defect review and mapping, electrical probe pad inspection, testing, and yield-impacting process excursions. Set up, calibrate, and maintain lab benches for LIV, EAM sweeps, and spectral analysis. Define and implement test strategies, including automated testing to increase efficiency and accuracy. Oversee debugging and failure analysis, ensuring root cause analysis and recommended corrective actions. Ensure delivery of reliable, repeatable test data and maintain stable, high-throughput lab operation.
**Cross-Functional Collaboration:** Work with design, quality, and reliability teams to influence design decisions improving testability, reliability, and manufacturing yield. Present testing and validation results, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.
**Team Leadership:** Lead, develop, and enable the success of the Test & Validation Team. Establish goals, priorities, and project schedules aligned with business objectives.
**Requirements:**
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related field
- 10+ years of hands-on experience in high-speed photonics/electro-optical test and validation engineering roles
- 3+ years of technical people-management/leadership experience, ideally leading an engineering validation team
- Strong understanding of photonic and electro-optic device operation and characterization
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, coach, mentor, and develop a technical team
**Preferred Experience:**
- Exposure to photonics and electronics
- Experience working in a startup environment
- Experience working in a high-tech hardware design and manufacturing company
