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Great Sky is a technology startup developing neuroscience-inspired hardware and algorithms to overcome scaling challenges in AI systems. The company is building integrated photonic devices as central to its technology platform.
You will own the development of optical test infrastructure for rapid and automated testing of photonic interconnects, including photonic integrated circuits (PICs), lasers, and superconducting photon detectors. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role with substantial influence on the pace and direction of hardware development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Own end-to-end optical test development for cryogenic photonic networks, from setup development to test plan definition.
- Design, build, and automate optical, electrical, and optoelectronic test setups and develop custom measurement solutions for chip- and package-level device characterization, including fiber-to-chip coupling and alignment automation.
- Perform rigorous characterization of passive SiN photonic components: gratings, splitters, couplers, and mode converters — measuring insertion loss, coupling efficiency, splitting ratio, bandwidth, and polarization extinction ratio.
- Characterize active devices such as integrated lasers, amplifiers, and superconducting single-photon detectors.
- Document test methods and communicate findings through concise reports, presentations, and design reviews.
- Create methods and systems for data acquisition and processing.
- Collaborate closely with multiple technical teams to accelerate development cycles.
The company culture is onsite by default (founded by scientists accustomed to lab work), with flexibility for hybrid arrangements. For the right person and role, remote work may be considered.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Required:
- BS, MS, or PhD in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or a 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 devices, 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.
Preferred:
- Experience with SNSPD or single-photon detector characterization.
- Experience with cryostats and cryogenic optical or electrical measurements.
- Experience with automated photonic probe stations and wafer-level testing.
- Experience with databases and structured test-data management systems.
