Associate Characterization and Test Engineer

PsiQuantum•Milpitas, CA

11h•$52,020 - $61,110

About The Position

The Characterization & Test Engineer supports the evaluation, characterization, and validation of photonic devices, packages, and subsystems. The role executes electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical tests, analyzes data, and supports failure analysis and reliability investigations. The engineer works closely with product, packaging, reliability, and manufacturing teams to generate data that supports product development and qualification.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline.
0–3 years of experience in engineering characterization, testing, laboratory operations, or product development.
Hands-on experience operating characterization equipment, including Infrared Thermography, Laser Doppler Vibrometers (LDV), Instron Universal Mechanical Testers, and C-Mode Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (C-SAM).
Experience analyzing thermal, mechanical, vibration, and package integrity data to support product development, reliability, and failure analysis activities.
Experience with laboratory instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
Basic understanding of optics, photonics, electronics, semiconductor devices, or advanced packaging technologies.
Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, JMP, or equivalent.
Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis methods.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with photonic devices, optoelectronics, semiconductor packaging, or advanced manufacturing.
Familiarity with optical alignment, imaging systems, or optical characterization techniques.
Experience with automation, scripting, and test development.
Exposure to reliability testing or failure analysis methodologies.

Responsibilities

Execute electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical characterization of photonic devices, packages, and assemblies.
Develop and perform test plans for product development, process validation, reliability testing, and failure analysis.
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including optical measurement systems, vibrometers, thermal imaging systems, and mechanical testers.
Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to identify performance trends and engineering insights.
Support Design of Experiments (DOE) planning, execution, and data analysis.
Support root-cause investigations by performing characterization and assisting with failure analysis.
Develop automated test scripts and data analysis tools using Python or similar programming languages.
Generate technical reports and communicate results to cross-functional teams.
Contribute to new characterization methods, test fixtures, and laboratory capabilities.
Support qualification and reliability testing, including thermal, mechanical, and environmental stress testing.
Maintain laboratory documentation, procedures, and equipment calibration records.
Collaborate with product, packaging, reliability, process, and manufacturing engineers to solve technical challenges.