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Photonic Systems & Applications Engineer


Job Location:

Goleta, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 140000 - 180000
Posted: 22 August 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 19 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated Photonic Systems and Applications Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role involves hands on lab-based testing and analysis of photonic components integrated circuits (PICs) and systems. To be qualified you should possess a strong background in optical electrical and high-speed testing. Youll work closely with our ecosystem partners and customers to ensure compatibility and suitability of the platform for applications in communications lidar quantum computing sensing and more.

What You Will Do
  • Hardware Characterization: Characterization of photonic components and PICs fabricated on OpenLights integrated photonic platform. Work with PCBs and substrates that integrate OpenLight PICs with control and high-speed electronics like power supplies DACs ADCs microcontrollers high speed drivers TIAs and DSPs. Build and develop test stations including equipment procurement test station automation and test code development. Debug and enhance existing firmware

  • Optical and High-Speed Testing: Perform optical testing on photonic systems characterizing integrated lasers modulators amplifiers and other optical components. Characterize high speed photonic systems for bandwidth large signal eye-diagram performance and BER

  • Demonstrations: Build and support technology demonstrations on-site and at conferences communicating clearly and effectively with customers

  • Data Analysis and Communication: Analyze data summarize findings and clearly communicate conclusions

  • Internal and External Communication: Engage with team members and customers including generating customer-facing documentation

  • Customer System Integration Support: Address customer inquiries and provide detailed and clear documentation of test results and conclusions. Support customer system integration of OpenLight PICs by answering technical questions and supplying supporting documentation

YourExperienceIncludes
  • Strong analytical skills excellent communication abilities and a collaborative mindset

  • Hands-on experience with optical and high-speed test equipment

  • Strong Python (or similar) programming ability. Familiarity with firmware architectures and debug

  • Ability to read a schematic ability to debug and general familiarity with printed circuit boards (PCBs)

  • Experience in design and test of photonic modules such as transceivers or Lidar modules

  • Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams partners and customers

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment and adapt to evolving priorities

  • Self-starting and independent but able to collaborate with teams inside and outside the company

YourQualificationsInclude
  • Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering Photonics or related field: Masters or PhD in a relevant discipline is preferred

  • Relevant experience in photonic and high-speed testing and analysis is required

About OpenLight

OpenLight is growing as customer adoption and industry momentum continue to accelerate. The rapid growth of AI and cloud infrastructure is driving unprecedented demand for faster more energy-efficient optical connectivity. We are addressing this challenge through a platform approach that simplifies the development of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and accelerates industry adoption.

As part of our team you will contribute to technologies that enable AI and hyperscale data centers high-speed optical communications advanced sensing applications next-generation photonic integration and more. Our team is collaborative and fast-moving and you will have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions across technology operations and business growth.

If you are excited about solving challenging problems advancing cutting-edge technology and working with a highly collaborative team we would love to hear from you.

Explore our current opportunities contact us at and follow us on LinkedIn.

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About Company

THE OPPORTUNITY We are seeking a highly motivated Photonic Systems and Applications Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role involves hands on la

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