Principal Test Engineer, Silicon Photonics (SiPh)

Job Title

Principal Test Engineer, Silicon Photonics (SiPh)

Role Summary

Develop and deliver wafer- and module-level test solutions for high-speed electro-optic silicon photonic integrated circuits. Work within GF's Test Engineering team to define test requirements, create test hardware, and implement automated test programs that cover RF, high-speed digital, and optical measurements.

Role is based at the GF Silicon Photonics lab in Essex Junction, VT with some remote-work flexibility; position interfaces with internal design teams and manufacturing groups to transition solutions to high-volume production and improve yield.

Experience Level

Senior (Principal-level). Preferred experience: 2+ years developing test solutions for high-speed RF/mmWave or electro-optic products; principal-level responsibilities and collaboration with clients and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Accountabilities and day-to-day activities for the role include:

• Design and implement wafer- and module-level custom test solutions for high-speed photonic integrated circuits using proprietary GF systems or commercial ATE.
• Define product test requirements in partnership with internal and client design teams.
• Design test hardware such as probe cards and probe interface boards and integrate them with test systems.
• Develop and validate test programs to characterize PICs that include high-speed, RF and optical circuits.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams to transfer test solutions to high-volume manufacturing and drive yield improvements.
• Execute characterization and measurement tasks (S-parameters, optical measurements) and perform detailed debugging and root-cause analysis.
• Follow and support Environmental, Health, Safety & Security (EHS&S) requirements in all activities.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and attributes:

• Hands-on engineering experience with strong debugging and problem-solving skills.
• Background in S-parameter and optical characterization and measurement techniques.
• Advanced programming in Java or C++ in a Linux environment for test program development.
• Basic understanding of silicon photonics, high-speed signaling and mm-wave circuit behavior.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills; ability to document results and interact with technical teams and clients.
• Analytical mindset, accountability, and effective interpersonal skills.

Preferred (nice-to-have):

• 2+ years developing test solutions for high-speed RF/mmWave or electro-optic products.
• PCB design experience focused on high-speed, low-noise layouts and impedance matching.
• Direct design experience in electro-optic applications (modulators, LIDAR, multiplexing) and use of electromagnetic simulation tools.
• Fluency in shell scripting, Matlab/R and high-level languages (Python/Perl) for automation and data analysis.

Education Requirements

Required: MSc in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. Preferred: PhD in Physics or Electrical Engineering. The posting did not specify equivalent-experience language beyond degree preferences.

About the Company

Company: GlobalFoundries

Headquarters: Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

GlobalFoundries is a leading contract manufacturer for the global semiconductor industry, with facilities in multiple countries, including the USA. The company develops a broad portfolio of semiconductor technologies and employs around 13,000 people worldwide. GlobalFoundries focuses on enhancing competitiveness in specialized application solutions and fostering innovation in mobile communications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications.