Senior Photonics Systems & Characterization Engineer

Job Title

Senior Photonics Systems & Characterization Engineer

Role Summary

Hands-on engineering role to bring up and characterize photonic demonstrator platforms in ADI's Wilmington photonics laboratory. The work spans optical, electronic, thermal and packaging domains and emphasizes measurement systems, automation, and data analysis.

The engineer will own laboratory operations, develop characterization methods, and support cross-functional programs with internal teams and external partners.

Experience Level

Senior; experienced engineer. No specific years of experience stated.

Responsibilities

Primary technical and laboratory responsibilities include:

• Lead characterization of photonic demonstrator platforms and correlate results to system-level optical interconnect requirements.
• Develop and execute optical, electrical, thermal, and system-level test plans.
• Perform measurements such as optical spectrum analysis, high-speed modulation testing, BER characterization, thermal tuning and resonance characterization, optoelectronic control-loop validation, eye diagram and signal integrity analysis, and die/wafer-level measurements.
• Own day-to-day operation of the Wilmington photonics laboratory: specify, commission, maintain, and calibrate equipment; develop lab procedures and characterization methodologies; support capability expansion and procurement.
• Develop Python-based automation frameworks and repeatable characterization workflows; analyze large measurement datasets and produce technical reports and engineering recommendations.
• Collaborate with photonic IC designers, high-speed electronics teams, packaging engineers, foundries/OSATs, and university collaborators; support external partnerships and demonstrations.
• Travel to collaborators and partners as required (approximately 10%).

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and abilities:

• Hands-on experience with optical characterization and measurement systems.
• Strong understanding of integrated photonics and optical communication systems.
• Proficiency in Python for automation and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to independently bring up laboratory hardware and measurement setups.

Preferred (nice-to-have):

• Silicon photonics and microring resonator characterization experience.
• Thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) device experience and high-speed optical communications knowledge.
• PIC packaging, fiber alignment, co-packaged optics (CPO), or datacenter optical interconnect experience.
• Experience working with photonic foundries, OSATs, and academic collaborators.

Education Requirements

PhD in Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline (as stated in the posting).

About the Company

Company: Analog Devices

Headquarters: Norwood, Massachusetts, USA

Analog Devices is a leading global semiconductor company that bridges the physical and digital worlds, enabling breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. With a focus on innovation, ADI develops solutions that drive advancements in digitized factories, mobility, and digital healthcare. The company employs around 24,000 people globally and reported revenues exceeding $9 billion in FY24, creating technologies that transform lives across various sectors.