Lead Test Engineer

As a Lead Photonics Engineer you will serve as a technical authority and mentor, driving engineering excellence and fostering the technical growth of a team of test engineers. In this role, you will architect cutting-edge test concepts and platforms early in the design phase, collaborating closely with architecture and design teams to validate technology models. You will oversee the end-to-end definition, development, and execution of complex wafer, package, and system-level tests, while directing test software development and establishing code-review best practices. Leveraging your multiple years of industry experience and exceptional leadership skills, you will manage vital vendor relationships, act as a cross-functional liaison between silicon, platform, and reliability teams, and partner with OSATs to refine testing for high-volume manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Mentor a team of test engineers, fostering technical growth, setting performance expectations, and driving a culture of engineering excellence across test development disciplines.
• Serve as a technical authority by working directly with architecture and design teams to understand the technology and conceptualize characterization and test techniques targeting feedback for design model validations.
• Architect and champion test concepts, test platforms, design for test rules, and provide strategic feedback early during the technology concept phase.
• Own and drive the creation of detailed test plan documentation, ensuring timely execution and cross-functional alignment.
• Lead the definition, development, and setup of wafer, package, and system level tests for Lightmatter silicon photonics products, guiding junior engineers through complex test challenges.
• Direct and oversee test software development to enable test execution, data analysis, and parameter extraction — including code reviews and best practice standards for the team.
• Guide vendor relationships to specify and procure test equipment, mentoring team members in vendor evaluation and negotiation.
• Train and coach engineers in the setup and operation of optical equipment such as tunable lasers, power meters, polarization synthesizers, OBR/OVA, and high-speed test equipment.
• Act as a bridge and technical liaison between silicon and platform validation teams, driving alignment and closing gaps across organizations.
• Lead collaboration with OSAT teams to define, validate, and refine test techniques for high volume manufacturing, with accountability for team deliverables.
• Partner with the reliability team for pre and post-stress test needs, delegating and developing team capability in this space.
• Champion continuous learning within the team by staying current with the latest developments in Silicon Photonics technology and testability, and disseminating knowledge broadly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of proven experience in silicon photonics test development, including demonstrated leadership or team lead experience
• Proven track record of mentoring and developing engineers, with the ability to set technical direction and elevate team capability
• Proven industrial experience in supporting new product introduction and volume production
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to influence across teams and organizational boundaries, driving alignment and accountability without direct authority where needed