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Photonics Validation Engineer

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Before you apply
Salary$170k – $250k
LocationSunnyvale, CA
Typefull-time
SeniorityMid
Experience3–7 yrs
DepartmentSilicon
EquityIncluded
Company size201–500 people
First seenOct 16, 2026 · 2w ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or a related field
3–7 years of relevant industry or applied research experience in photonics validation, optical testing, or opto-electronic systems
Hands-on experience testing photonic or opto-electronic components, subsystems, or packaged modules
Experience building test benches, fixtures, or automated test setups from the ground up
Strong failure-analysis and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to isolate root causes across optical, electrical, and firmware domains
Hands-on experience with optical and electrical lab equipment, including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and optical power meters
Proficiency in data analysis, automation, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
Working knowledge of coherent optical communication principles
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines
Experience interfacing with EIC controls, firmware, or embedded software during test bring-up
Experience with FPGA- or ASIC-based test environments and validation workflows
Experience with spectrum, noise, or FFT-based signal analysis
Background in free-space optics, micro-optics, photonics packaging, or III-V semiconductor physics
Experience transitioning test methodologies from R&D into manufacturing or high-volume production
Skills
Python
MATLAB
spectrum analyzers
oscilloscopes
network analyzers
optical power meters
FPGA
ASIC
EIC
firmware
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Equity
Unlimited PTO
About the role
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We are seeking a highly motivated Photonics Validation Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for validating photonics sub-systems and packaged opto-electronic modules — building test infrastructure from the ground up and driving failure analysis from component level through module level. This position requires hands-on expertise in optical and electro-optic testing, strong troubleshooting instincts, and the ability to work closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team. Experience with EIC control, firmware/FPGA/ASIC-based test environments, coherent communications, and data analysis is essential. Background in free space optics, micro-optics, packaging, and III-V semiconductor physics is a plus. You will work alongside a world-class, cross-functional team in a fast-paced and rapidly growing environment.
What you’ll do
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Build test benches and automated test setups from scratch for photonics systems, components, and packaged opto-electronic devices
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Design, execute, and refine test plans and validation methodologies across wafer, chip, eval board, and sub-module levels
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Perform spectrum analysis, noise analysis and FFT-based signal analysis
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Validate coherent communication systems and modules (e.g., coherent receivers, DSP-linked subsystems)
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Perform failure analysis efforts — root-causing device and system failures across optical, electrical, and firmware layers, and driving corrective actions
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Perform passive optical testing (insertion loss, return loss, wavelength response, etc.)
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Troubleshoot and debug test setups and design issues, identifying and resolving challenges
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Analyze and visualize test data to characterize device performance and identify trends or deviations
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Interface with EIC controls, firmware, and embedded software during test bring-up
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Collaborate with FPGA/ASIC teams to support test automation, debug, and validation workflows
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Work closely with cross-functional teams (design, packaging, manufacturing, product) to drive issues from detection to resolution
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Document test procedures, results, and failure analyses; communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders
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Support the transition of test methodologies from R&D into high-volume manufacturing
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or a related field; a Master’s or Ph.D. is welcome but not required
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3–7 years of relevant industry or applied research experience in photonics validation, optical testing, or opto-electronic systems
•
Hands-on experience testing photonic or opto-electronic components, subsystems, or packaged modules
•
Experience building test benches, fixtures, or automated test setups from the ground up
•
Strong failure-analysis and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to isolate root causes across optical, electrical, and firmware domains
•
Hands-on experience with optical and electrical lab equipment, including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and optical power meters
•
Proficiency in data analysis, automation, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
•
Working knowledge of coherent optical communication principles
•
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience interfacing with EIC controls, firmware, or embedded software during test bring-up
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Experience with FPGA- or ASIC-based test environments and validation workflows
•
Experience with spectrum, noise, or FFT-based signal analysis
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Background in free-space optics, micro-optics, photonics packaging, or III-V semiconductor physics
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Experience transitioning test methodologies from R&D into manufacturing or high-volume production
Benefits
Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)
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Competitive salary and equity
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Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
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401(k) retirement plan
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Flexible vacation and time-off policy
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Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment
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Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a highly cross-functional team
About the company
About Lyte
Lyte builds perception systems for Physical AI operating in complex environments. The company combines custom silicon, integrated sensors, and software into a unified platform for robotics, mobility, and next-generation automation. Lyte is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with a global presence. For more information, visit www.lyte.ai
If you’re excited about building impactful technology in a dynamic, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you!