Staff / Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer
- Pay
- $187,000 – $260,000 per year
- Location
- Mountain View, CA · Hybrid
- Job type
- Full-time
- Level
- Lead / Staff
- Experience
- 6+ years
- Education
- Master's degree
- Listed
- 30 days ago
Skills & highlights for this role
- silicon photonics test development
- AWG
- DCA
- DSO
- PNA
- LCA
Also useful
- Python
- C#
- high-speed photonic device test
Stated benefits & perks
- Health
- Dental
- Vision
- Equity
About this Role
You will be focused on architecting wafer, package and system level characterization and test strategies of Lightmatter's novel Silicon Photonic product line. As part of this role you will have the ability to directly influence the design and development of Lightmatter silicon photonics technologies. You will be part of a growing interdisciplinary team with a lot of opportunities to learn and make a big impact.
Responsibilities
- Work directly with the architecture and design teams to understand the technology and conceptualize characterization and test techniques targeting feedback for design model validations.
- Architect test concepts, test platforms, design for test rules, and provide feedback early on during the technology concept phase.
- Create detailed test plan documentation and ensure timely execution.
- Define, develop, and setup of wafer, package and system level tests for Lightmatter silicon photonics products.
- Develop test software to enable test execution, data analysis, and parameter extraction.
- Work with vendors to specify and procure test equipment.
- Setup and operate a range of optical equipment such as tunable lasers, power meters, polarization synthesizer, OBR/OVA, and high-speed test equipment.
- Engage with silicon and platform validation teams and bridge any gaps between test and validation teams.
- Work with OSAT teams to define, validate, and refine test techniques for high volume manufacturing.
- Work with the reliability team for pre and post-stress test needs.
- Keep up to date with the latest developments in Silicon Photonics technology and testability.
Requirements
- Master's in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field
- A minimum of 6+ years of proven experience in silicon photonics test development
- Proven industrial experience in supporting new product introduction and volume production
- Understanding of Silicon Photonics components and circuits
- Experience working with design teams to define test cells for model feedback and validation
- Hands on experience in characterization and test of photonics components and circuits
- Direct experience in high-speed photonic device test and familiar with test equipment such as AWG, DCA, DSO, PNA, LCA
- Experience in test system automation using Python, C#, or other languages
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and solve issues during the testing process
- Ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field
- 2+ years of photonic component or circuit design experience
- Exposure to system link bring-up
- This role requires working in out Mountain View, CA office 3 - 5 days a week.
- This role is open to multiple levels. Education, years of experience, and interview performance will be the determining factor for leveling.
- Staff: $187,000 - $220,000
Pay and benefits
We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.
Salary Range
total compensation goes beyond base salary, it also includes a new hire equity grant, annual performance-based equity, and other rewards that recognize your impact and contribution.
$187,000—$260,000 USD
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Savings Matching Program
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Paid Family Leave
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Commuter Benefits
- Flexible, hybrid workplace model
- Equity grants (applicable to full-time employees)
Export Control
Candidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.
About Lightmatter
Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world's first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.
Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!
If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.
Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!
Equal opportunity and legal notices
Benefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status and location. Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
From Lightmatter's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 10, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
How Rolev.ai helps with this application
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Staff / Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer role at Lightmatter?
The Staff / Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer posting at Lightmatter states compensation of $187,000 – $260,000 per year. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Lightmatter's official career site.
Where is the Staff / Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer job at Lightmatter located?
This Staff / Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer position at Lightmatter is located in Mountain View, CA (Hybrid). Always check Lightmatter's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
What qualifications are required for Staff / Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer at Lightmatter?
For the Staff / Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer role, Lightmatter highlights 6+ years of relevant experience; a master's degree; experience with silicon photonics test development, AWG, DCA, DSO, PNA, LCA. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.
How do I apply for the Staff / Sr. Staff Photonics Test Engineer position at Lightmatter?
This listing links directly to Lightmatter's Greenhouse application page. You can apply directly on Lightmatter's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Greenhouse application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.