Control and Test Engineer

Job Title

Control and Test Engineer

Role Summary

Develop, implement, and validate control algorithms and test systems for integrated photonic circuits. Model photonic circuits, analyze behavior, design robust control loops, and validate optical performance across environmental conditions.

Collaborate with photonics, hardware and firmware engineers to integrate control software, lab automation, and measurement-driven improvements in product development.

Experience Level

Mid-level. See Education Requirements for degree and years-of-experience guidance.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include control algorithm development, system validation, and test automation.

• Design and implement test plans, scripts, methodologies, and protocols for control system validation.
• Develop control algorithms for initialization and stabilization of lasers, ring modulators, MZI multiplexers/demultiplexers, and ring-based filters.
• Implement multi-loop photonics system control and integrate with hardware and firmware components.
• Execute rigorous validation tests to evaluate signal quality and system performance under varying environmental stimuli.
• Automate test procedures and measurement workflows using scripting and lab-control tools.
• Analyze measurement data and produce statistical visualizations to drive design and test decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve issues and support product development.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and competencies; a short list of desirable extras follows.

• Must-have: Strong knowledge of control theory and implementation (including PID and signal-processing techniques) and experience applying these in both software and hardware.
• Must-have: Practical experience with optical test equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers, optical power meters, and interferometers.
• Must-have: Proficiency scripting test procedures and automation (Python or similar) for lab equipment and custom hardware.
• Must-have: In-depth knowledge of photonic components and systems (lasers, amplifiers, modulators, optical filters, photodetectors).
• Must-have: Experience with data analysis and statistical visualization of measurement data.
• Must-have: Strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Nice-to-have: Hands-on experience with printed circuit boards and embedded firmware integration.
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with optical simulation and modeling tools for system design and analysis.

Education Requirements

Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience, OR PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of industry experience.

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.