Automation Engineer Photonics

Job Description

Job Title: Test Automation Engineer – Photonics. Location: Palo Alto, California, United States

We are looking for a Test Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated testing infrastructure for a range of electrical, optical, and electrooptical subsystems. This role will be crucial in validating high performance quantum computing components and scaling up production processes.

Responsibilities:

• Review subsystem designs involving optics, electronics, firmware, software, and thermal integration.
• Design and build test setups using lab instruments (e.g., light sources, detectors, oscilloscopes, function generators).
• Develop Python-based scripts for automated test execution and data acquisition.
• Create algorithms for data analysis and performance evaluation;
• Establish standard test plans, procedures, and automated flows.
• Collaborate with lab operations to transfer and maintain test processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physical sciences with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• 3–4 years in test automation, especially with electro-optical or high-speed test systems;
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment: OSA, OBR, VNA, AWG, RF detectors, and pulsed lasers.
• Strong skills in Python and instrument control scripting;
• Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems (MES) is a plus.
• Ability to develop and refine testing algorithms and calibration routines.

Benefits:

• Base Salary (Bay Area): $120,000 – $160,000 USD
• Eligibility for equity and full benefits package.
• Compensation may vary depending on experience, education, and location.