About this Role

Lightmatter is looking for a PhD candidate who can work in Photonics Characterization (Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field) starting January, 2026 with a strong understanding of Silicon Photonics and demonstrated experience in electro-optic testing of components like micro-rings and Mach-Zehnder interferometers. The ideal candidate will leverage hands-on laboratory experience with various optical and semiconductor test equipment, and be skilled in developing and implementing automated testing using Python scripting. This highly analytical, process-oriented individual must be capable of working independently to solve complex technical problems and translate data into actionable strategies.

Responsibilities

• Participate in electro-optic testing of photonics chips/devices, leveraging hands-on laboratory experience and working with various optical instruments.
• Conduct tests and characterization of silicon photonics components, including micro-rings, optical phase shifters, and Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
• Operate a range of optical equipment such as lasers, electro-optic modulators, semiconductor optical amplifiers, PIN receivers, optical spectrum analyzers, optical vector analyzers, and optical filters.
• Utilize semiconductor test equipment, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, source-meter units, arbitrary waveform generators, and high-speed oscilloscopes.
• Design and execute testing protocols for silicon photonics chips and subsystems.
• Develop and implement automated testing and system interfacing through Python scripting.

Qualifications

• Recent PhD graduate OR PhD candidate in Photonics with a strong understanding of Silicon Photonics and demonstrated experience in electro-optic component testing.
• Experienced in developing and implementing automated testing systems using Python scripting, with a proven ability to translate data into actionable strategies.
• Highly analytical, process-oriented, and capable of working independently to solve complex, non-obvious technical problems in a lab environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microcontroller programming
• Experience with high speed instruments 
• High speed communications and understanding of VNA and optical link 
• Understanding of high speed PCBs and/or micro electronics
• Experience working in a graduate level photonics or electrical engineering lab.
• Willingness and curiosity to learn from an exciting team!