{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"e9223c80df2b210baf0f1050","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/e9223c80df2b210baf0f1050","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/e9223c80df2b210baf0f1050","title":"Staff /Sr Staff Laser Module & Systems Characterization Engineer","description":"Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.\n\nLightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!\n\nIf you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.\n\nLightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!\n\nWe are looking for a Laser Characterization Engineer to join our Laser team. You will be the hands-on technical owner for bring-up, characterization, and validation of Lightmatter's laser modules and photonic systems — taking products from first-light through manufacturing qualification and production hand-off.\n\nYou will work closely with controls engineers, photonics engineers, and the production team to translate module performance specifications into reproducible, manufacturable results. This is an individual-contributor role with direct ownership of test plan development, characterization, bring-up and validation execution , and the data that drives module specifications. This role requires strong laboratory experience in integrated photonics and fiber optics, as well as expertise in photonics and electronics testing, and data analysis. Analytical skills, problem-solving, and the ability to clearly communicate and document your findings are essential.\n\nResponsibilities\n\nLead optical performance optimization (OPO) and initial bring-up for Guide Laser modules; define and execute bring-up sequences from unpowered to full operating condition.\n\nDevelop and own the bringup-to-eVT hand-off package: measurement summary, pass/fail criteria, and known-good reference data.\n\nOwn characterization campaigns involving Guide and Passage based optical links, including end-to-end link validation, channel optimization, and margin verification through the lens of Laser/Guide systems. Identify and operate to resolve link-level anomalies; close the loop with module-level root-cause analysis.\n\nDevelop structured manufacturing and characterization test plans aligned to photonics-control specs; define measurement protocols, calibration sequences, and acceptance criteria. Collaborate with control engineers to ensure test plan data supports algorithm validation and production deployment.\n\nWrite and maintain Python or MATLAB measurement automation scripts for optical, electrical, and thermal test sequences; build data pipelines to surface yield signatures and process trends.\n\nAuthor clear characterization reports capturing methodology, results, and recommendations; communicate findings to cross-functional stakeholders.\n\nPartner with the team on laser-safety interlock validation and controller characterization flows.\n\nInterface with production on test plan deployment, NPI transitions, and manufacturing scale-up.\n\nExperience with high-speed and optical link characterization methodologies is a plus.\n\nRequired Qualifications\n\nBS + 8 years, MS + 6 years, or PhD + 3 years in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, or a closely related field.\n\nHands‑on experience characterizing laser modules (DFB lasers, optical amplifiers, and other coherent sources) in a research or NPI environment with experience with DWDM optical link bring-up and validation as a plus.\n\nProficiency with core photonics lab equipment: optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), optical power meters, lightwave component analyzers (LCA), high‑bandwidth oscilloscopes, and signal generators.\n\nExperience building or executing structured test plans for optical or electro‑optic assemblies — from test design through data delivery.\n\nProficiency with Python or MATLAB scripting for measurement automation and statistical data analysis.\n\nStrong written communication skills; able to produce thorough, well‑organized characterization reports.\n\nFamiliarity with statistical process control (SPC), gauge R&R, or JMP for production yield analysis.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\n\nExperience with laser module NPI, EVT, or manufacturing bring-up workflows; familiarity with hand-off packages to production.\n\nBackground in TEC/thermal control loops, laser safety interlock systems, or photonics control‑style calibration flows.\n\nExposure to silicon photonics–III‑V heterogeneous integration (bonded DFB sources, SOA, or hybrid photonic packages).\n\nFamiliarity with optical link budgets and system‑level characterization; experience operating multi‑channel photonic integration platforms.\n\nWe offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.\n\nSalary Range: total compensation goes beyond base salary, it also includes a new hire equity grant, annual performance‑based equity, and other rewards that recognize your impact and contribution.\n\n$187,000—$260,000 USD\n\nBenefits\n\nComprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)\n\nRetirement Savings Matching Program\n\nLife Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)\n\nGenerous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)\n\nPaid Family Leave\n\nShort Term & Long Term Disability\n\nTraining & Development\n\nCommuter Benefits\n\nFlexible, hybrid workplace model\n\nEquity grants (applicable to full‑time employees)\n\nBenefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status and location.\n\nLightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.\n\nExport Control\n\nCandidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Socket","rawCompany":"socket","city":"Mountain View","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-09-02T04:11:57.818Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2199.07","title":"Photonics Engineers","slug":"photonics-engineers"},{"code":"17-3029.08","title":"Photonics Technicians","slug":"photonics-technicians"},{"code":"17-2131.00","title":"Materials Engineers","slug":"materials-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"},{"code":"334413","title":"Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing","slug":"semiconductor-and-related-device-manufacturing"},{"code":"334511","title":"Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing","slug":"search-detection-navigation-guidance-aeronautical-and-nautical-system-and-instrument-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Staff /Sr Staff Laser Module & Systems Characterization Engineer","description":"Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.\n\nLightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!\n\nIf you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.\n\nLightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!\n\nWe are looking for a Laser Characterization Engineer to join our Laser team. You will be the hands-on technical owner for bring-up, characterization, and validation of Lightmatter's laser modules and photonic systems — taking products from first-light through manufacturing qualification and production hand-off.\n\nYou will work closely with controls engineers, photonics engineers, and the production team to translate module performance specifications into reproducible, manufacturable results. This is an individual-contributor role with direct ownership of test plan development, characterization, bring-up and validation execution , and the data that drives module specifications. This role requires strong laboratory experience in integrated photonics and fiber optics, as well as expertise in photonics and electronics testing, and data analysis. Analytical skills, problem-solving, and the ability to clearly communicate and document your findings are essential.\n\nResponsibilities\n\nLead optical performance optimization (OPO) and initial bring-up for Guide Laser modules; define and execute bring-up sequences from unpowered to full operating condition.\n\nDevelop and own the bringup-to-eVT hand-off package: measurement summary, pass/fail criteria, and known-good reference data.\n\nOwn characterization campaigns involving Guide and Passage based optical links, including end-to-end link validation, channel optimization, and margin verification through the lens of Laser/Guide systems. Identify and operate to resolve link-level anomalies; close the loop with module-level root-cause analysis.\n\nDevelop structured manufacturing and characterization test plans aligned to photonics-control specs; define measurement protocols, calibration sequences, and acceptance criteria. Collaborate with control engineers to ensure test plan data supports algorithm validation and production deployment.\n\nWrite and maintain Python or MATLAB measurement automation scripts for optical, electrical, and thermal test sequences; build data pipelines to surface yield signatures and process trends.\n\nAuthor clear characterization reports capturing methodology, results, and recommendations; communicate findings to cross-functional stakeholders.\n\nPartner with the team on laser-safety interlock validation and controller characterization flows.\n\nInterface with production on test plan deployment, NPI transitions, and manufacturing scale-up.\n\nExperience with high-speed and optical link characterization methodologies is a plus.\n\nRequired Qualifications\n\nBS + 8 years, MS + 6 years, or PhD + 3 years in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, or a closely related field.\n\nHands‑on experience characterizing laser modules (DFB lasers, optical amplifiers, and other coherent sources) in a research or NPI environment with experience with DWDM optical link bring-up and validation as a plus.\n\nProficiency with core photonics lab equipment: optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), optical power meters, lightwave component analyzers (LCA), high‑bandwidth oscilloscopes, and signal generators.\n\nExperience building or executing structured test plans for optical or electro‑optic assemblies — from test design through data delivery.\n\nProficiency with Python or MATLAB scripting for measurement automation and statistical data analysis.\n\nStrong written communication skills; able to produce thorough, well‑organized characterization reports.\n\nFamiliarity with statistical process control (SPC), gauge R&R, or JMP for production yield analysis.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\n\nExperience with laser module NPI, EVT, or manufacturing bring-up workflows; familiarity with hand-off packages to production.\n\nBackground in TEC/thermal control loops, laser safety interlock systems, or photonics control‑style calibration flows.\n\nExposure to silicon photonics–III‑V heterogeneous integration (bonded DFB sources, SOA, or hybrid photonic packages).\n\nFamiliarity with optical link budgets and system‑level characterization; experience operating multi‑channel photonic integration platforms.\n\nWe offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.\n\nSalary Range: total compensation goes beyond base salary, it also includes a new hire equity grant, annual performance‑based equity, and other rewards that recognize your impact and contribution.\n\n$187,000—$260,000 USD\n\nBenefits\n\nComprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)\n\nRetirement Savings Matching Program\n\nLife Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)\n\nGenerous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)\n\nPaid Family Leave\n\nShort Term & Long Term Disability\n\nTraining & Development\n\nCommuter Benefits\n\nFlexible, hybrid workplace model\n\nEquity grants (applicable to full‑time employees)\n\nBenefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status and location.\n\nLightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.\n\nExport Control\n\nCandidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-09-02T04:11:57.818Z","dateModified":"2026-09-02T04:11:57.818Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Socket","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Mountain View","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"e9223c80df2b210baf0f1050"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/e9223c80df2b210baf0f1050"}}