Bring-Up Photonics Technician

Job Title

Bring-Up Photonics Technician

Role Summary

Hands-on technician role supporting R&D and characterization of integrated photonic devices and packaged modules. Work closely with test and design engineers to execute measurement plans, maintain lab equipment, and ensure reliable, repeatable data collection.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Requires approximately 3+ years of hands-on experience in an optics, photonics, or fiber-optics lab environment.

Responsibilities

Perform device- and module-level testing, maintain test stations, and record measurement data following documented procedures.

• Set up and operate optical/electrical test stations for packaged and fiber-pigtailed modules (TOSA, transceivers, form-factor modules).
• Run laser characterization (output spectrum, output power, SMSR) and module-level optical/electrical tests (power, wavelength/channel, high-speed interface checks).
• Handle, inspect, clean, and prepare optical fibers and connectors to established best practices; manage coupling and alignment tasks.
• Operate and maintain test instruments (optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, photodiode receivers, source meters, oscilloscopes, tunable lasers).
• Execute automated measurement scripts (Python, LabVIEW or similar), monitor runs, and flag anomalies to engineers.
• Record, organize, and upload measurement data following data-management procedures; ensure completeness and integrity.
• Perform routine calibration checks, instrument upkeep, and inventory management for cables/fibers.
• Support incoming inspection, basic functional checks, and burn-in or reliability monitoring as needed.
• Maintain organized, safe lab spaces and follow laser safety and ESD procedures.

Requirements

Key must-have skills and experience for reliable execution of photonics test and characterization activities.

• Minimum 3+ years hands-on experience in an optics, photonics, or fiber-optics lab environment (device and module/package test).
• Proficiency in fiber handling: connector inspection/cleaning, cleaving, and low-loss coupling techniques.
• Working knowledge of telecom-band fiber-optic components (isolators, circulators, WDMs, splitters, polarization controllers) and O-band/C-band conventions.
• Working knowledge of silicon photonic integrated circuits (waveguides, MZIs, photodetectors, couplers) and basic photonic metrics (insertion loss, extinction ratio, responsivity).
• Basic electronics skills: soldering/rework, cable/harness assembly, reading schematics, and simple wiring/debugging.
• Familiarity operating common optical test instruments (OSA, power meters, tunable lasers) and basic electrical test equipment (source meters, oscilloscopes).
• Comfort running and monitoring measurement scripts (Python, LabVIEW); basic scripting and data-handling skills.
• Strong attention to detail, disciplined documentation habits, and ability to follow procedures while identifying anomalies.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with LIV curves, laser diode drivers, TEC controllers, linewidth/RIN/wavelength-stability measurements, or high-resolution OSAs.
• Exposure to environmental/reliability testing (burn-in, temperature cycling, long-duration monitoring) and module-level assembly/pigtailing.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools (Excel, Python with pandas/matplotlib) and RF/high-speed optoelectronic test setups.

Education Requirements

B.S. in Photonics, Optics, Electronics, Laser Technology, or a related field is required. M.S. in a related field is a plus.

About the Company

Company: Xscape Photonics

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States

Developer of integrated photonics solutions and instrumentation, specializing in photonic circuits, control systems, and test methodologies for optical communication and sensing applications. Works on device integration, control algorithms, and validation of photonic hardware and firmware.