Automation Engineer - Photonic Test Systems

Are you passionate about turning complex lab processes into elegant, scalable automation systems? At Lightium, we’re pioneering next-generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs) built on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN), and we’re looking for an Automation Engineer to help us accelerate how we test and validate our technology.

Position Summary

In this role, you’ll join our Characterization Team and take ownership of automating wafer-scale optical and electrical measurements using advanced equipment like the MPI 3500. You’ll develop robust control software, optimize throughput and reliability, and work closely with our data scientist to ensure measurement pipelines are streamlined for analysis. Your work will be key in scaling our testing infrastructure and delivering high-quality data for our design and modelling teams.

Key Responsibilities

Automated Test Infrastructure: Develop and maintain automated wafer-level measurement setups using advanced probers (e.g., MPI 3500). Ensure system robustness, speed, and repeatability.

Lab Automation: Write Python-based control routines to operate optical and RF instruments. Manage instrument interfaces (e.g., GPIB, USB, Ethernet) and integrate new devices as needed.

Data Integration: Collaborate with the data science team to ensure reliable, structured data output suitable for statistical modelling and physical analysis.

Collaboration: Work closely with PIC Characterization Engineers to translate testing needs into automated procedures. Coordinate with the design and fabrication teams to align test automation with project priorities.

Technical Expertise: Monitor and improve system performance, contribute to scaling test capacity, and stay current with best practices in lab automation and photonic test systems.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background: An advanced degree (Master or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Applied Physics, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field.

Experience: Hands-on experience in automating test equipment in a lab environment. Familiarity with wafer-level photonic or electronic measurements is a strong advantage.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in Python for lab automation. Experience with hardware control interfaces (e.g., SCPI, VISA) and integration of optical or RF measurement tools.

Organization & Documentation: Strong organizational skills to plan your work schedule, record your results and processes, and define standard operating procedures (SOPs).

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

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

Language Skills: Fluency in English is required.

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, including employee stock option plan (ESOP) that reflects 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 develop your professional skills at a fast pace.

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 result-driven environment.

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