Principal Silicon Photonics Wafer Test Engineer

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of silicon photonics wafer-level test and characterization methodologies for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and associated test structures.
• Develop and optimize wafer-level characterization methods for active and passive silicon photonic devices, including modulators, photodetectors, waveguides, couplers, resonators, and integrated photonic circuits.
• Lead RF and high-speed electro-optical wafer characterization, including S-parameter measurements, frequency response, bandwidth, impedance characterization, calibration, de-embedding, and signal-integrity analysis.
• Develop robust methods for automated optical alignment and coupling at wafer level, with emphasis on measurement accuracy, repeatability, stability, and test throughput.
• Develop and maintain test automation and data-analysis software using Python or similar programming environments, including instrument control, wafer navigation, optical alignment, test sequencing, error handling, and automated data processing.
• Analyze wafer-level characterization data and wafer maps to identify device distributions, spatial trends, process variation, systematic effects, yield limiters, and test-related artifacts.
• Partner with device design, process integration, and foundry teams to correlate wafer-test results with device physics, fabrication processes, process-control monitors, and design parameters.
• Collaborate effectively with photonics design, RF/analog design, process integration, foundry, packaging, reliability, product engineering, manufacturing, and equipment suppliers to resolve technical issues and support successful product development and production ramp.
• Analyze characterization datasets to identify performance distributions, process sensitivities, correlations, failure mechanisms, and opportunities for improved device performance and test efficiency.
• Define test structures and characterization requirements in collaboration with the silicon photonics and design team.
• Drive design-for-test (DFT) improvements and influence future device and PIC designs based on characterization results and test limitations.
• Lead root-cause investigations for complex electrical, RF, optical, and electro-optical performance issues.
• Serve as a technical mentor and coach for junior and mid-career engineers, helping them develop strong fundamentals in silicon photonics, RF measurement, electro-optical characterization, and test engineering.
• Review test plans, measurement methodologies, automation code, data analysis, and technical conclusions produced by other engineers, providing constructive technical feedback and guidance.

Delegate technically challenging projects in a way that develops engineering capability while maintaining appropriate technical oversight.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on laboratory experience in photonics, semiconductor, or optoelectronic device testing.
• Experience with commercial wafer-testing stations and electrical/RF probing of semiconductor devices.
• Experience with optical alignment with lenses or fibers to semiconductor devices.
• Strong understanding of silicon photonic devices, including modulators, photodetectors, passive optical structures, and optical coupling techniques.
• Experience developing automated laboratory or production test systems using Python or comparable programming languages.
• Strong hands-on experience with RF/microwave measurement techniques, including vector network analyzers, S-parameters, RF probing, calibration, and de-embedding.
• Experience with data plotting and analysis software such as JMP, MATLAB, or python.

Skills

• Strong expertise in RF and microwave test and measurement, including VNAs, S-parameters, RF probing, calibration, de-embedding, transmission lines, and signal integrity.
• Strong working knowledge of optical test equipment, including tunable lasers, optical power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, polarization controllers, optical switches, and fiber alignment systems.
• Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages for test automation, instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and visualization.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause-analysis skills across optical, electrical, RF, mechanical, software, and semiconductor-device domains.
• Demonstrated ability to transfer specialized knowledge and develop documentation, procedures, training materials, and reference methodologies that enable others to work independently.
• Ability to guide engineers through experimental design, measurement setup, debugging, data interpretation, and root-cause analysis rather than simply providing solutions.
• Ability to teach complex RF, photonics, and measurement concepts through both technical explanation and hands-on laboratory coaching.

Working Conditions

• This position is hybrid.
• May require occasional off-site meetings or travel.
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
• Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job.
• May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards.  This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently.  They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.