Assistant Test Engineer - Optical Manufacturing

Job Title

Assistant Test Engineer - Optical Manufacturing

Role Summary

The Assistant Test Engineer performs functional, performance, and reliability testing on optical transceiver products throughout the manufacturing process to ensure units meet OEM specifications and industry standards prior to shipment.

This is a hands-on role working at test stations and in the lab with Test Engineering, Quality, and Production to run and maintain instrumentation, log and analyze test data, support failure analysis, and improve yield and throughput.

Experience Level

Entry-level / Early-career — typically 2+ years of hands-on manufacturing or OEM test experience with optical transceivers or similar photonic/optoelectronic components.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include executing test procedures, maintaining test equipment, and converting test results into actionable quality and yield improvements.

• Perform incoming, in-process, and final testing of optical transceivers (optical power, sensitivity, extinction ratio, wavelength, BER, eye diagram, jitter, TX/RX parametric testing).
• Operate and maintain instruments: BERTs, optical power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, TEC controllers, and automated test stations.
• Execute test plans per OEM specifications and MSA/industry standards; log, analyze, and report test data and out-of-spec conditions.
• Calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain test fixtures, jigs, and automated test equipment (ATE).
• Support burn-in, environmental and reliability testing (HTOL, thermal cycling) and NPI test bring-up and validation for new programs.
• Assist failure analysis and root-cause investigations; collaborate with Test Engineering, Quality, and Production to improve throughput and yield.
• Follow ESD, laser safety, and component handling procedures in lab and production.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, manufacturing test experience, and practical abilities for hands-on work in a production lab.

• 2+ years hands-on experience testing optical transceivers or similar photonic/optoelectronic components in a manufacturing or OEM environment.
• Working knowledge of optical transceiver form factors and MSA specifications (SFP, QSFP, OSFP, CFP variants).
• Familiarity with optical/electrical test parameters: optical power, wavelength, extinction ratio, sensitivity, jitter, eye diagrams, and BER.
• Experience operating test instruments: optical power meters, OSAs, BERTs, oscilloscopes, network analyzers.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, test procedures, and datasheets; basic data analysis skills (Excel); scripting is a plus.
• Skill in fiber optic handling, cleaning, and connector types (LC, MPO/MTP) and general handling of small precision components.
• Ability to calibrate and troubleshoot test equipment and automate or refine test scripts in collaboration with engineers.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and adherence to quality system traceability requirements.
• Comfortable working in lab and production environments, including standing for extended periods and following safety protocols.

Education Requirements

Associate degree or technical diploma in Electronics, Photonics, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline; equivalent practical experience will be considered. Preferred items noted in the source include laser safety training/certification and other practical quality or manufacturing process training.

About the Company

Company: Lumilens

Headquarters: San Jose, CA, USA

Lumilens develops integrated photonics and optical interconnect solutions for high-speed data communication and chip-to-chip interfaces, focusing on optical front-end hardware and co-packaged optics for advanced semiconductor systems.