Are you ready to lead the charge in the next generation of photonic integrated circuits (PIC)? Lightium, a pioneering force in the photonic industry, is on the hunt for a skilled Photonic Characterisation Engineer to turn our visionary technology into a tangible solution for our customers. Join us on our journey to transform information and communication technologies, making advanced photonics more accessible and efficient for everyone.

Position Summary

We seek a skilled Photonics Characterisation Engineer with a strong focus on experimental characterisation, testing, and measurements of novel photonic building blocks, including passive and electro-optical, nonlinear, and active components based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). This key position demands creativity and technical expertise in the lab, including measurement automatisation and large dataset analysis. The ideal candidate will be at the forefront of developing our comprehensive process design kit (PDK) component library used by customers worldwide. You will also contribute to developing novel PIC circuits, ensuring top-tier performance and integration. This role involves close collaboration with our multidisciplinary teams, especially with the design and modelling team, as well as our process development and integration teams, to bring groundbreaking photonic solutions from concept to market.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Setup: Build and maintain optical experimental apparatus to characterise various passive, electro-optic, nonlinear, and active PIC components, especially for the TFLN platform. Contribute to keeping the experimental lab up to date, including procurement of new equipment.

Wafer-Level Automation: Set up automation algorithms to perform automatic measurements in wafer-level probe stations.

Statistical Models: Develop, incorporate, and implement statistical methods to analyse large measurement datasets and extract physical PDK models. Regularly update the PDK to incorporate new components, enhancements, and feedback from fabrication outcomes.

Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the design and fabrication teams to ensure the PDK’s alignment with fabrication capabilities and design requirements.

Technical Expertise: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in PIC technology and design methodologies.

Mentoring: Provide technical support and training to the design and sales teams, ensuring effective utilisation of the PDK in photonic circuit designs.

EU Projects: Participate in and contribute to international, national, and public-funded projects (e.g., HorizonEurope), including at the technical level, in grant writing, and reporting.

What you’ll bring

Educational Background: An advanced degree (Master or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field.

Experience: A minimum of 4 years of experience in integrated or microwave photonics and 2 years of experience working in an optical lab. Demonstrated experience with wafer-scale probe stations and large datasets statistical analysis is a strong advantage.

Technical Skills: Strong understanding of photonic component design, fabrication processes, and testing methods. Strong knowledge of photonics measurements of RF circuits and RF measurements at ultra-high frequencies, ideally at the wafer scale. Strong knowledge of lab automation using Python code to set up and program semi-automatic measurement tools such as probe stations. Expertise with various analytic tools to analyse large experimental statistical data.

Communication skills: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to solving technical challenges.

Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.

Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German or French is an advantage.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package reflective of your experience and expertise.
• Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and be involved in leadership decisions.

We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.