Control and Test Engineer

Job Title

Control and Test Engineer

Role Summary

Develop, implement, and validate control algorithms and test procedures for integrated photonic circuits. Work with photonic, hardware and firmware engineers to model photonic behavior, stabilize optical components, and verify system-level performance.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Typical qualification: Master's degree with minimum 5 years industry experience, or PhD with minimum 2 years industry experience.

Responsibilities

Responsible for control algorithm development, test automation, and system validation for integrated photonic platforms.

• 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 control systems spanning multiple photonic components and coordinate with photonic, hardware and firmware teams.
• Execute rigorous validation tests to assess signal quality and system performance under varying environmental conditions.
• Automate measurement and test equipment control using scripting (e.g., Python) and custom hardware interfaces.
• Analyze measurement data using statistical techniques and visualization to extract actionable insights.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and practical experience required for successful performance in this role.

• Strong knowledge of control theory and implementation methods, including PID control and signal processing.
• Experience with optical test equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers, optical power meters, and interferometers.
• Proven ability to script and automate test procedures (Python or similar) to control lab equipment and custom hardware.
• In-depth knowledge of photonic components and systems: lasers, amplifiers, modulators, filters, and photodetectors.
• Experience in data analysis and statistical visualization of measurement results.
• Strong problem-solving skills and effective cross-functional communication.
• Nice-to-have: Hands-on experience with printed circuit boards and embedded firmware; familiarity with optical simulation and modeling tools.

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.