Factory Applications Engineer (Photonics; San Jose, CA)

All About You•San Jose, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Photonics Applications Engineer leads the design, development, and integration of advanced photonics applications for automated test platforms. This role combines expertise in photonics, automation engineering, and signal processing to deliver accurate, scalable, and high-performance test solutions. Working across software, hardware, and NPI teams, this role plays a key part in enabling efficient product validation, characterization, and manufacturing readiness. The position ensures that photonics test applications meet evolving performance requirements and can be deployed effectively across test environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Photonics, Physics, or a related field
Strong knowledge of photonics and software engineering principles
Proven experience with photonics components and optical instrumentation, including fiber optics, lasers, and photodetectors
Experience with signal processing techniques and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms
Proficiency in using optical and electrical test and measurement equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, bit error rate testers)
Solid scripting and coding skills for data analysis and automation (e.g., Python and/or MATLAB)
High attention to detail, with a strong focus on accuracy and quality
Strong problem-solving skills, with a creative and persistent approach
Ability to adapt quickly to new challenges and changing priorities
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and skill development
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams

Nice To Haves

Experience with CI/CD tools and workflows (e.g., Jenkins, Bitbucket) is advantageous

Responsibilities

Design and develop photonics test applications and supporting workflows for integration into automated test systems
Design, implement, and optimize signal processing algorithms (DSP) to enable accurate and efficient photonics test data analysis
Collaborate closely with software, hardware, and NPI teams, as well as field application engineers, to ensure seamless integration into automated test platforms
Conduct testing, troubleshooting, and validation of photonics applications under real-world conditions to ensure reliability and performance
Develop and maintain clear, structured technical documentation, including test procedures and application-level guidance