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Salary: USD 130,000 - 230,000 / annual
OpenLight Photonics is seeking a Senior Hardware Applications Engineer to drive hands-on testing, characterization, and system integration of photonic components and integrated circuits (PICs) on their heterogeneously integrated silicon photonics platform. You will lead projects with ecosystem partners and customers to validate platform compatibility across communications, lidar, quantum computing, and sensing applications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Characterize photonic components and PICs including lasers, modulators, amplifiers, and optical components; evaluate high-speed photonic systems for bandwidth, eye-diagram performance, and bit-error rate (BER).
- Design and build test stations including equipment procurement, automation, and test code development; debug and enhance firmware.
- Lead evaluation hardware development programs: architect new hardware, guide external suppliers through design/fabrication/assembly/test cycles, and manage delivery.
- Perform high-speed modeling of small and large-signal performance when components integrate onto PCBs and substrates.
- Build and support technology demonstrations on-site and at conferences; generate customer-facing documentation.
- Address customer inquiries, provide detailed test result documentation, and support customer system integration efforts.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on technical challenges and solutions.
The role offers significant hands-on lab work combined with strategic project leadership, requiring deep expertise in optical and electrical system integration, testing methodologies, and customer engagement. You will contribute to advancing cutting-edge photonic integration technology in a fast-paced startup environment.
OpenLight operates on a hybrid schedule (three days/week in office, flexible day selection). The company offers incentive stock options, comprehensive insurance, 401k matching, unlimited vacation, and spot bonuses.
Requirements:
- Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or related field.
- Relevant experience in design, test, and debug of photonic and high-speed systems, particularly transceivers (required).
- Hands-on experience with optical and high-speed test equipment.
- Strong Python (or similar) programming ability.
- Familiarity with firmware architectures and debug; ability to read schematics and debug PCBs.
- Experience in design and test of photonic modules such as transceivers or Lidar modules.
- Proficiency with Keysight ADS and understanding of small and large-signal modeling of high-speed communication systems.
- Strong analytical and communication skills; collaborative mindset.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment and adapt to evolving priorities.
