Silicon Photonics Test Engineer

Job Title

Silicon Photonics Test Engineer

Role Summary

Design, develop and execute validation and characterization test plans for silicon photonics products including Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), Electrical Integrated Circuits (EICs), optical sub-systems and reference modules. Partner with cross-functional teams-hardware, firmware, PIC/EIC design, packaging/thermal, optics and NPI-to drive device and subsystem readiness.

Work includes instrumentation control, automation, data analysis, and reporting for high-speed optical interconnect platforms.

Experience Level

Mid-level (typically 3–7 years). The role expects hands-on experience validating silicon photonics or optical communication subsystems; see Requirements for details.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities:

• Develop and execute comprehensive validation and characterization plans for PICs, EICs, optical sub-systems and reference modules.
• Design and implement automated test stations and software to control VNAs, LCAs, AWGs, oscilloscopes, BER testers, SMUs and other instruments.
• Perform detailed electrical and optical characterization (small-signal, large-signal, BER, eye diagrams) of modulators, photodetectors, integrated lasers, RF drivers, TIAs and ADC/DACs.
• Characterize and validate performance of PAM4 transmitters/receivers (e.g., 100G/200G per lane), module types and near-packaged optics platforms.
• Support subsystem integration, calibration and RF probe workflows; perform RF probe calibration using calibration substrates and advanced measurement methods.
• Analyze test data, generate validation reports, and communicate findings and recommendations to development teams and leadership.
• Drive cross-functional technical problem solving with design, packaging, firmware, manufacturing test and NPI teams.

Requirements

Must-have:

• 3+ years of hands-on experience testing and validating silicon photonics devices, RFICs, or optical communication subsystems.
• Experience with Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), RF probes and probe stations, evaluation-board-based optical subsystems, and high-speed electrical and optical measurement equipment.
• Experience testing optoelectronic devices such as lasers, modulators and photodetectors, and optical interconnect technologies.
• Proven experience developing automated test environments and data collection systems; strong instrumentation control and automation skills.
• Proficiency with Python and data analytics tools for characterization, automation and reporting.
• Hands-on experience with VNA/LCA platforms, AWGs, DCAMs, high-speed oscilloscopes and common optical test equipment.
• Experience performing RF probe calibration and advanced measurement methodologies.

Preferred / Nice-to-have:

• Experience with 100G/200G PAM4 transmitter/receiver architectures, DSP, RF drivers, TIAs, uControllers, DACs and ADCs.
• Familiarity with optical transceiver test and calibration methodologies and transceiver MSAs (examples: 800G, 1.6T families).
• Experience in C++ or equivalent software platforms and use of AI tools for code generation and debug.
• Strong laboratory optical and electrical measurement skills and ability to build test platforms from evaluation boards and instruments.
• Clear communication and presentation skills for cross-team reporting.

Education Requirements

Posting specifies: Bachelor's degree + 4+ years, Master's degree + 3+ years, or PhD + 0 years in Electrical Engineering or a related STEM field. The posting also notes that relevant experience may be obtained through a combination of degree, research, prior job experience or internships. No specific certifications were listed.

About the Company

Company: Intel Corporation

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA

Intel Corporation is a leading multinational technology company known for its innovative semiconductor solutions, including microprocessors, artificial intelligence accelerators, and memory products. Headquartered in the United States, Intel focuses on cutting-edge technology and a collaborative working environment, driving advancements in semiconductor manufacturing to meet global demands. The company emphasizes professional development and aims to shape the future of technology through groundbreaking designs.