Photonics Test Engineer

Taara•Sunnyvale, CA

4d•$160,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Taara is seeking a Photonics Test Engineer to join the R&D team developing cutting-edge wireless optical communication systems based on integrated optical phased arrays. In this role, you will own the design, development, and operation of test stations used for photonic device characterization. The successful candidate will contribute to the full lifecycle of photonic test infrastructure — from designing and building custom test stations, to developing and executing automated test routines for wafer-level and chip-level photonic device testing, to analyzing results and delivering clear technical reports to the engineering team. The role requires a strong foundation in photonics or optics, comfort with hands-on lab work, and strong technical communication skills. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys working in a small, dynamic team environment, and has a passion for solving challenging problems that lead to high-impact technological advances.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
Strong foundational knowledge of photonic device physics (waveguides, modulators, detectors, filters, etc.).
Hands-on lab experience with optical or electro-optical measurement setups.
Familiarity with test automation or scripting using Python.
Exposure to photonic test equipment such as tunable lasers, optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, or photodetectors.
Strong technical writing skills with the ability to produce clear documentation and reports.
Ability to be onsite in Sunnyvale location.

Nice To Haves

Experience with wafer-level probing or automated wafer-scale photonic testing.
Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Python/Pandas).
Experience with Git and collaborative software development practices.
Experience working in a cleanroom.

Responsibilities

Develop automated test routines for wafer-level, chip-level, and packaged photonic device testing, and execute test campaigns to support R&D and product development.
Select, integrate, and validate optical and electro-optical components for custom test stations, including alignment stages, fiber coupling systems, and instrumentation.
Write comprehensive test reports that clearly explain results, trends, and anomalies to the engineering team, enabling data-driven design decisions.
Collaborate with the photonic design team to translate test results into actionable feedback, driving improvements in device performance and yield.
Prepare detailed design documentation for test stations, including system architecture, bill of materials, assembly instructions, and standard operating procedures.