Full Job Description
We are looking for a highly experienced Test Engineer to lead the development of test methodologies, automation, and test infrastructure for silicon photonics, lasers, and advanced optoelectronic products. This role combines photonics expertise, hardware test development, Python software automation, and data analysis, with a strong focus on scalable and production ready test solutions.
In this role you will
• Develop optimized automated routines to execute and analyze various silicon photonics and III-V components (e.g., optical power, insertion loss, LIV sweeps, extinction ratio, modulation bandwidth, coupling efficiency).
• Design and validate specialized test hardware, including optomechanical fixtures, probe cards, and custom printed circuit boards (PCBs), for use in both research and development (R&D) and high-volume manufacturing
• Design software control systems, search algorithms, and machine vision tools that automatically align optical components across multiple axes and optimize chip-to-chip coupling, FAU-to-chip coupling
• Correlate measurement data with physical device behavior to monitor optoelectronic performance, track process variations, and drive hardware yield improvements.
• Establish detailed test specifications, conduct Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (Gauge R&R) studies to assess measurement reliability, and create calibration and qualification procedures for characterization stations.
• Set measurement best practices, calibration procedures, data quality checks, and documentation standards for all testing activities.
• Turn test and characterization results into clear, actionable recommendations for teams working on laser design, photonics integration, packaging, system architecture, and reliability.
Required qualifications
• BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years hands-on experience in photonics, laser, semiconductor, or optoelectronic testing
• Fundamental understanding of optical, electrical and optoelectrical measurement techniques and instrumentations
• Proficiency in Python or similar object-oriented programming languages
Desirable qualifications
• Direct experience working with advanced optical sensing technologies, including lidar, silicon photonics, or related fields.
• Experience designing and implementing automated optical alignment systems for high-precision optical characterization, including multi-axis motion control, alignment search algorithms, and real-time feedback optimization
• Experience in experimental design and statistical analysis, with the ability to analyze large characterization datasets, draw clear conclusions from test results, and provide actionable feedback to design teams.
• Proven track record of architecting automated test systems from concept through production deployment in a semiconductor, photonics, or advanced hardware environment.
• Extensive experience performing complex high-speed optical and electrical measurements using photodetectors, RF spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), and high-speed oscilloscopes, along with hardware calibration and de-embedding techniques.
The base salary range for this position is$181,000 - $262,000 perYear. Aurora's pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate's starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.
We believe in-person work increases collaboration, empathy, and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, Aurorans are expected to work from the office at least 3 days per week, with some roles requiring more frequent in-office presence, up to 5 days per week, based on operational needs.
