Photonics Characterization Intern

About the Role

Lightmatter is seeking a PhD candidate in Photonics Characterization (Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field) to join the Photonics & Silicon Engineering team. This role involves the design and development of photonic processors and interconnects, specializing in silicon photonics.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in electro-optic testing of photonics chips/devices, leveraging hands-on laboratory experience and working with various optical instruments.
• Conduct tests and characterization of silicon photonics components, including micro-rings, optical phase shifters, and Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
• Operate a range of optical equipment such as lasers, electro-optic modulators, semiconductor optical amplifiers, PIN receivers, optical spectrum analyzers, optical vector analyzers, and optical filters.
• Utilize semiconductor test equipment, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, source-meter units, arbitrary waveform generators, and high-speed oscilloscopes.
• Design and execute testing protocols for silicon photonics chips and subsystems.
• Develop and implement automated testing and system interfacing through Python scripting.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Recent PhD graduate OR PhD candidate in Photonics with a strong understanding of Silicon Photonics.
• Demonstrated experience in electro-optic component testing.
• Experienced in developing and implementing automated testing systems using Python scripting.
• Proven ability to translate data into actionable strategies.
• Highly analytical, process-oriented, and capable of working independently to solve complex, non-obvious technical problems in a lab environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microcontroller programming
• Experience with high-speed instruments
• High-speed communications and understanding of VNA and optical link
• Understanding of high-speed PCBs and/or micro electronics
• Experience working in a graduate-level photonics or electrical engineering lab.
• Willingness and curiosity to learn.

Compensation

• Hourly Range: $53 — $65 USD

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Savings Matching Program
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Commuter Benefits
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Equity grants (applicable to full-time employees)

Benefit eligibility may vary depending on employment status and location.

Export Control

Candidates should have the capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.