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. Execute electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical tests, analyze results, and support failure analysis and reliability activities.

Work on a cross-functional R&D team with product, packaging, reliability, and manufacturing engineers to produce high-quality data that drives product development and qualification.

Experience Level

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

Responsibilities

Primary duties include planning and executing characterization and test activities, operating lab equipment, and communicating results.

• 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; identify performance trends and engineering insights.
• Support DOE planning, execution, and statistical analysis.
• Assist root-cause investigations and failure analysis activities.
• Develop automated test scripts and data-analysis tools (e.g., Python).
• Generate clear technical reports and present results to cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to development of new characterization methods, test fixtures, and lab capabilities; maintain lab documentation and calibration records.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items listed separately.

• 0–3 years of hands-on experience in characterization, testing, laboratory operations, or product development.
• Experience operating characterization instruments such as Infrared thermography, Laser Doppler Vibrometers (LDV), Instron mechanical testers, and C‑Mode Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (C‑SAM).
• Experience analyzing thermal, mechanical, vibration, and package-integrity data.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and data-acquisition systems.
• Basic understanding of optics, photonics, electronics, semiconductor devices, or advanced packaging technologies.
• Familiarity with data-analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, JMP, or equivalent) and experience developing automated test scripts.
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis methods.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; able to work effectively in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Nice-to-have: experience with photonic devices/optoelectronics, optical alignment and imaging systems, 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.