Associate Characterization and Test Engineer

Job Title

Associate Characterization and Test Engineer

Role Summary

Support evaluation, characterization, and validation of photonic devices, packages, and subsystems to enable product development and qualification.

This role works in an R&D laboratory with product, packaging, reliability, and manufacturing teams to design and execute electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical tests and to analyze resulting data.

Experience Level

Entry-level / Associate — 0–3 years of relevant engineering experience.

Responsibilities

Execute test plans, run laboratory equipment, analyze data, and communicate technical findings to cross-functional teams.

• Execute electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical characterization of photonic devices, packages, and assemblies.
• Develop and perform test plans for product development, process validation, reliability testing, and failure analysis.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (optical measurement systems, vibrometers, thermal imaging, mechanical testers, etc.).
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to identify performance trends and engineering insights.
• Support Design of Experiments (DOE) planning, execution, and analysis.
• Assist root-cause investigations and failure analysis activities.
• Develop automated test scripts and data analysis tools using Python or similar languages.
• Generate technical reports and present results to engineering teams.
• Contribute to designing test fixtures, characterization methods, and lab capabilities; maintain documentation and calibration records.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, hands-on lab experience, and analytical ability to perform characterization and test work.

• Hands-on experience with characterization equipment such as Infrared thermography, Laser Doppler Vibrometers (LDV), Instron universal mechanical testers, and C-Mode Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (C-SAM).
• Experience analyzing thermal, mechanical, vibration, and package integrity data to support development, reliability, and failure analysis.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and test system operation.
• Basic understanding of optics, photonics, electronics, semiconductor devices, or advanced packaging technologies.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, JMP, or equivalent and experience developing automated test scripts.
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis methods.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced R&D environment and collaborate across teams.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with photonic devices, optoelectronics, semiconductor packaging, or advanced manufacturing.
• Familiarity with optical alignment, imaging systems, or optical characterization techniques.
• Experience with automation, scripting for test development, and exposure to reliability testing or failure analysis methodologies.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline.

About the Company

Company: PsiQuantum

Headquarters: Palo Alto, CA, United States

PsiQuantum develops silicon-photonic quantum computers aimed at building million-qubit, fault-tolerant systems. Founded in 2016, the company combines semiconductor manufacturing processes, photonic hardware, and quantum software to scale quantum systems for commercial and government applications.