Photonics Test Engineer

Summary

The Photonics team at QuEra Computing, Inc. pioneers cutting-edge photonic chips for integration into neutral-atom quantum computers. Scaling our technology requires high-volume, high-precision characterization of the photonic chips that manipulate atoms and light, and reliable integration of those chips into our quantum computing systems. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Photonics Test Engineer to architect and build our system bench testbed for photonics chips, to own their operation as they become the backbone of our design-fab-test iteration cycle, and to drive the integration and validation of photonic chips within the full quantum system. 

The individual in this role will work closely with photonic design engineers, foundry partners, and system integrators to define test criteria, stand up automated test infrastructure, and deliver the measurement data that drives the next generation of our quantum processing units (QPUs). This individual owns their project progress against department and company goals and may also mentor colleagues across several such projects. 

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and build system-level photonic bench test beds, including die-level testing, packaged chip characterization, fixturing, data collection automation, instrumentation, and environmental controls. 
• Own the day-to-day operation of the test beds: run die-level test campaigns, maximize throughput and uptime, and maintain calibration and measurement repeatability. 
• Develop automated test software in Python for instrument control, data acquisition, analysis pipelines, and reporting dashboards. 
• Work with photonic design engineers and foundry partners to define verification specs, test structures, and pass/fail criteria for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and close the loop on design-fab-test iteration cycles. 
• Generate test reports and statistical yield analyses to properly document every die, assembly, and lot, and communicate results to a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists. 
• Develop and de-risk critical test methodologies and components to enable the next generation QPU. 
• Lead the integration of photonic chips and modules into QPU optical subsystems, including fiber attach, free-space interfacing, mounting, and alignment to the rest of the optical path. 
• Define and run incoming inspection, acceptance, and in-system validation tests that connect die-level results to system-level performance. 
• Work with system integrators and optical, mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers to define interface specifications, integration procedures, and system-level requirements for photonic components. 
• Debug and root-cause issues at the subsystem and system level, and feed findings back into chip design, packaging, and test criteria. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, physics, optical engineering, or a related field. 
• Minimum of 3 years working as a Test Engineer or Photonics Engineer with hands-on responsibility for photonic or semiconductor device testing. 
• Demonstrated experience standing up new test infrastructure: specifying, procuring, integrating, and bringing up die-level test stations for photonic or optoelectronic devices. 
• Hands-on laboratory skills with fiber optics and free-space optics, including fiber-to-chip and edge/grating coupling, active alignment, lasers, detectors, and optical modulators. 
• Strong automation experience and programming in Python; experience programming lab equipment using SCPI, PyVISA, or LabVIEW. 
• Knowledge of fundamental electrical, mechanical, and optics concepts, and experience with hardware debugging. 
• Hands-on experience integrating photonic or optoelectronic components into larger optical, electro-optical, or laser systems, from assembly and alignment through bring-up and verification. 
• Experience writing integration procedures, interface control documents, and system-level test plans, and tracing system performance back to component specifications. 
• Strong system-level debugging skills across optical, electrical, mechanical, and software domains. 
• Excellent documentation and communication skills, including the ability to explain test procedures and measurement data. 
• The individual in this role has a deep interest in developing and commercializing quantum technologies and is a self-starter with previous experience working in a highly collaborative work environment. 

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD's degree in electrical engineering, physics, optical engineering, or a related field. 
• Experience testing photonic integrated circuits at a foundry, large photonic firms, or high-volume photonics manufacturer. 
• Experience with automated probe stations and precision alignment equipment (e.g., FormFactor/Cascade, MPI, PI/Physik Instrumente). 
• Experience with cleanroom protocols and handling of bare die. 
• Experience building test data infrastructure (databases, dashboards, analysis pipelines). 
• Experience integrating photonics into quantum, atomic physics (AMO), or other complex scientific instruments, including vacuum, thermal, and vibration constraints. 

The approximate base salary range for this position is $128,000 - $208,000.

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly.  We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience.  In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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