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Silicon Photonics Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lumilens

Silicon Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

The Role As a Silicon Test Engineer , you will be responsible for developing and executing test solutions for Lumilens' silicon photonics and semiconductor products. You will work across ...

Lumilens Inc.

Silicon Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

The Role As a Silicon Test Engineer , you will be responsible for developing and executing test solutions for Lumilens' silicon photonics and semiconductor products. You will work across ...

LUMILENS

Silicon Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

The Role As a Silicon Test Engineer , you will be responsible for developing and executing test solutions for Lumilens' silicon photonics and semiconductor products. You will work across ...

Astera Labs

Senior Director of Optical Test

San Jose, CA · On-site

$260K - $295K/yr

... engineering organizations * Strong experience with silicon photonics production testing, optical module test, and high-speed optical systems. * Hands-on experience testing 100G / 200G / 400G PAM4 ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

We are adding a motivated Silicon Photonics Engineer to join our small, fast-moving team and help ... Test and characterize photonic devices.Document designs and contribute to internal design reviews.

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation ... Test and characterize photonic devices. * Document designs and contribute to internal design ...

Psionic, LLC

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation ... Test and characterize photonic devices. * Document designs and contribute to internal design ...

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Silicon Photonics Test Engineer information

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How much do silicon photonics test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for silicon photonics test engineer in the United States is $44.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.41 and $52.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a silicon photonics test engineer?

A Silicon Photonics Test Engineer is a professional who specializes in testing and validating silicon photonics devices and systems. These engineers work with integrated photonic circuits that use light (photons) rather than electricity (electrons) to transmit information, primarily for high-speed data communication and sensing applications. Their responsibilities include designing and executing test plans, analyzing optical and electrical data, troubleshooting device performance, and ensuring products meet quality and reliability standards. They often collaborate with design, fabrication, and packaging teams to optimize device performance and support product development cycles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a silicon photonics test engineer?

To thrive as a Silicon Photonics Test Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, photonics, and electronics, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with optical test equipment (such as optical spectrum analyzers and power meters), automated test systems, and programming languages like Python or LabVIEW is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding engineers apart in this position. These skills ensure accurate device characterization, efficient troubleshooting, and successful collaboration in the fast-evolving photonics industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by silicon photonics test engineers during the product development cycle?

Silicon Photonics Test Engineers often encounter challenges related to the integration of optical and electronic components, maintaining precise alignment for testing, and troubleshooting complex performance issues. The role requires careful coordination with design, fabrication, and packaging teams to resolve unexpected test failures and improve device yield. Additionally, engineers must stay updated on emerging test methodologies and ensure that automated test systems are both accurate and scalable for production environments.

What is the difference between Silicon Photonics Test Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectSilicon Photonics Test EngineerOptical Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentSemiconductor and photonics fabrication labs, R&D centersOptical labs, telecommunications companies, research institutions
Industry UsageSilicon photonics integrated circuits, data centers, high-speed communicationFiber optics, optical systems, telecommunications infrastructure

Silicon Photonics Test Engineers focus on testing integrated photonic devices on silicon chips, while Optical Test Engineers typically work on broader optical systems and fiber optics. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ in their specific applications and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Silicon Photonics Test Engineer jobs?

For Silicon Photonics Test Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Silicon Photonics Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Senior Principal Photonics Test Engineer

San Jose, CA • On-site

Astera Labs
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Astera Labsexternal

$185K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Define and implement optical test architectures and test flows across various testing levels.

  • Execute characterization and qualification testing of optical components and assemblies.

  • Develop and automate optical test procedures and analyze test data to identify trends and failure modes.

Job description

  • Job Summary 

    We are seeking a highly technical and hands-on Senior Principal Photonics Test Engineer to serve as the technical authority for photonics test engineering across our product portfolio. This role will define end-to-end test architectures and drive advanced test development for silicon photonics devices, subsystems, and optical modules from early R&D through high-volume manufacturing. 

    The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in silicon photonics test methodologies, strong system-level thinking, and a proven ability to solve complex yield and performance challenges while building scalable, automated test solutions. 

    Key Responsibilities 

    • Define and own the end-to-end test architecture and test roadmap including wafer-level testing, package-level validation, optical engine and module characterization, as well as production and reliability testing. 
    • Lead the development of advanced wafer probe and package-level test solutions for silicon photonics devices and subsystems. 
    • Architect and implement automated test flows for engineering characterization, validation, and production. 
    • Design, develop, and implement optical test plans and procedures for co-packaged optics modules, including silicon photonics engines, laser sources, photodetectors, and optical fiber connectors. 
    • Debug and resolve yield issues and critical technical challenges, including electrical/optical performance failures, process & test induced variations. 
    • Develop and drive the hardware and software roadmap for next-generation optical test systems. 
    • Collaborate across cross-functional organizations such as silicon and photonics design teams, packaging, validation, reliability and qualification teams. 
    • Define and implement test and yield analytics frameworks to accelerate yield learning and root cause identification. 
    • Provide deep technical input in Design-for-Test (DfT) and product development reviews.  
    • Define test specifications, acceptance criteria, and pass/fail limits based on IEEE, OIF, and internal standards 

    Required Qualifications 

    • MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related field.  
    • 10+ years of experience in optical testing, photonic device characterization, or optical transceiver module test. 
    • Strong understanding of silicon photonics devices (modulators, photodetectors, multiplexers, grating couplers, edge couplers), optical probing and fiber coupling, Electro-Optical (EO) characterization, high-speed optical testing and BER measurement.  
    • Proven experience leading development of wafer-level and package-level optical test systems.  
    • Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or C/C++ for test automation 
    • Knowledge of optical communication standards (IEEE 802.3, OIF-CEI, CMIS) 
    • Familiarity with statistical analysis methods and data visualization tools. Strong experience debugging yield issues and complex system-level problems.  
    • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence across engineering disciplines. 

    Preferred Qualifications 

    • Experience specifically with co-packaged optics or on-board optics architectures. 
    • Knowledge of 2.5D/3D packaging technologies (interposers, chiplets, UCIe etc.). 
    • Experience with external laser source (ELS) integration and characterization. 
    • Experience with ATE platforms and custom photonics test setups. 
    • Experience in transitioning test processes from lab/prototype to high-volume manufacturing (HVM) 
     

Salary range is $185,000 to $240,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.

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