Test Automation Engineer - Silicon Photonics

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Test Automation Engineer (Silicon Photonics) to join our rapidly growing hardware validation and production engineering team. In this role, you will bridge the gap between semiconductor manufacturing and advanced optics. You will take ownership of designing, developing, and optimizing automated test infrastructure to characterize and validate our next-generation Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and Electronic-Photonic Integrated Circuits (EPICs).

The ideal candidate will combine strong software engineering practices (C# or Python) with a deep understanding of electro-optical testing methodologies, enabling scalable data collection from wafer-sort to final co-packaged optics (CPO) modules.

Key Responsibilities

1. Test Automation & Software Development

• Design, develop, and maintain robust, scalable test automation software and libraries (using Python or C#) to interface with electrical and optical test instruments.
• Implement instrument control drivers for automated wafer probers, optical alignment systems, and bench-top laboratory equipment.
• Build automated data pipelines to stream large characterization datasets seamlessly into centralized databases (SQL/NoSQL) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Develop data analysis scripts to parse raw measurement data, extract key performance metrics, and generate automated test summaries.

2. Electro-Optical Test Infrastructure Setup

• Configure, program, and maintain automated optical test benches incorporating advanced fiber-to-chip active alignment systems, and sub-micron motion control stages.
• Integrate and synchronize high-speed optical and RF instruments, including tunable lasers, Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSAs), Optical Power Meters, Bit Error Rate Testers (BERTs), Digital Communication Analyzers (DCAs), and Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs).
• Partner with hardware and PCB teams to specify, design, and commission custom test fixtures, loopback boards, and probe cards optimized for signal integrity.

3. Device Characterization & Validation

• Execute automated test flows to characterize active and passive photonic components (e.g., Modulators, Photodetectors, Waveguides, Multiplexers/Demultiplexers, and Integrated Lasers).
• Perform link-level electro-optic validation, assessing parameters such as Eye Diagrams, Optical Modulation Amplitude (OMA), Extinction Ratio (ER), Relative Intensity Noise (RIN), Optical-Signal-to-Noise Ratio (OSNR), and Bit Error Rate (BER).
• Perform root-cause analysis and debugging of software/hardware integration anomalies, test setups, and data inconsistencies.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with PIC Design, Layout, DFT (Design for Test), Packaging, and Quality Assurance teams to translate design specs into automated testing protocols.
• Contribute to the transition of test methodologies from New Product Introduction (NPI) lab environments to high-volume manufacturing (HVM) foundry sites.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience

• Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electro-Optics, or a related discipline.
• Experience: 3+ years of hands-on industry experience in automated testing, with a distinct focus on semiconductor validation, silicon photonics, or optoelectronic devices.

Technical Expertise

• Programming: Advanced proficiency in C#, or Python (specifically libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, and PyVISA) or equivalent test automation environments.
• Hardware Control: Experience automating hardware subsystems, motor/motion controllers, or automated wafer probe stations (e.g., FormFactor, MPI).
• Data Analysis: Experience with data analysis tools and methodologies (e.g., JMP, MATLAB, Python-based visualization).

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with distributed engineering teams and external foundry partners.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), or pluggable optical transceivers.
• Instrumentation: Familiarity with optical and high-speed electrical lab instrumentation (lasers, power meters, VNAs, high-bandwidth real-time oscilloscopes, SMUs) is a plus.
• Familiarity with semiconductor test standards and data format structures (e.g., STDF).
• Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) or wireline equalization techniques (FFE, DFE).
• Experience implementing automated database integrations and working with source control systems (Git).

Why Skorpios?

At Skorpios, you will be at the forefront of the silicon photonics revolution. We offer the chance to work on truly disruptive technology that is changing how the world connects. You will be part of a team where technical excellence is celebrated and where your contributions have a direct impact on the success of our next-generation product lines.

Skorpios offers an excellent benefits package which includes:

• Competitive salary
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Company paid Disability
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Gym Membership Discounts

Export Control / ITAR Statement: This position is located at a facility that operates under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be 'U.S. persons' within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a 'U.S. person' as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, protected leave status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

As a federal contractor, Skorpios Technologies, Inc. takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at or AskHR@Skorpiosinc.com

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a temperature-controlled, open cubicle setting. Frequent interruptions and conversational noise can be expected. This role may also require occasional work in a manufacturing or cleanroom environment.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements

Authorization may be required to release covered technology to employees who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees.

Compensation and Benefits

Skorpios embraces a Total Compensation philosophy that includes a base salary and eligibility for overtime for non-exempt roles.

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employee health, welfare, and retirement. Highlights include healthcare benefits, a 401(k) savings plan, and paid time off.

Expected salary range: $105,000–$145,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The actual starting rate will be determined based on role-related criteria, including educational qualifications or equivalent experience, relevant work history, and the skills required for the role.