Silicon Photonics Wafer Test Automation Development Engineer

Job Title

Silicon Photonics Wafer Test Automation Development Engineer

Role Summary

Develop, implement, and optimize automated wafer-level test systems for silicon photonics devices within Intel's Integrated Photonics Solutions organization. The role focuses on test hardware, automation frameworks, test software, and cross-functional validation to support device characterization and production testing.

Work closely with device designers, data engineers, technicians, and manufacturing teams to improve test throughput, reliability, and data quality.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Typical experience range: approximately 3–7 years; minimum experience required depends on degree (see Education Requirements).

Responsibilities

Primary duties to develop and maintain automated wafer test capabilities and test software, and to support production and characterization activities.

• Design, develop, and maintain automated wafer-level test systems, including optical coupling, wafer probing, and automation frameworks.
• Create and maintain test software for automated characterization and production testing of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and optical components.
• Implement and validate test algorithms with photonic device designers to accurately characterize device performance.
• Collaborate with data engineering and analytics teams to ensure test outputs meet data quality and reporting requirements.
• Develop and update test procedures, specifications, and documentation; provide training and technical guidance to technicians.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and improve test system performance, reliability, and throughput in lab and manufacturing environments.
• Coordinate across design, manufacturing, process integration, and quality teams to support product development and production goals.
• Manage multiple tasks with clear communication and organization in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Must-have items are drawn from the "Minimum Qualifications" in the posting; preferred items are listed as nice-to-have.

• Must-have: 4+ years of hands-on experience with semiconductor device characterization and testing methodologies.
• 4+ years designing and developing automated test solutions for engineering or manufacturing environments.
• 2+ years of software development experience on Microsoft Windows (experience with MS Visual Studio a plus).
• Experience operating wafer probing equipment and automated wafer-level test platforms; ability to monitor and troubleshoot test systems.
• Ability to produce and maintain test procedures, specifications, and documentation; provide training to technicians.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills; experience collaborating with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.

• Nice-to-have / Preferred: Experience testing and characterizing integrated photonic devices or photonic integrated circuits.
• Familiarity with National Instruments (NI) hardware, drivers, and remote instrument control protocols.
• Experience with mechanical system design and integration, optical system design and alignment, and RF test.
• Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC), software architecture, and best practices for maintainable test software.

Education Requirements

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline with 4+ years of experience, OR a Master's degree in those fields with 3+ years of experience. Preferred: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. (Degree/field language extracted from Minimum and Preferred Qualifications.)

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.