Optical Test Engineer

Neurophos • Austin, TX

12h • Onsite

About The Position

Neurophos is developing a novel computing architecture using silicon photonics and active, programmable metasurfaces for matrix multiplications at the speed of light. This approach aims to overcome the energy and performance limitations of traditional electronic circuits for AI inference. The company has secured significant Series A funding and is seeking to build a world-class team. The Optical Test Engineer will be responsible for executing structured test plans to characterize metasurface-based photonic devices, performing spectral and electro-optic measurements, automating data acquisition with Python, analyzing large datasets for yield assessment, documenting measurement campaigns, and communicating technical findings. This is a full-time, onsite position in Austin, TX.

Requirements

• B.S. in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience in an optics laboratory - undergraduate research, senior design, internship, or professional experience are all relevant.
• Experience with free-space optical alignment involving lasers, lenses, and detectors.
• Familiarity with core optics concepts: spectroscopy, polarization, interference, and resonant optical structures.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis; willingness to develop instrumentation control and test automation skills.
• Strong attention to detail, disciplined documentation habits, and comfort with precision-critical measurement work.
• Clear written and verbal communication of technical results.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with optical characterization instruments such as spectrometers, tunable lasers, lock-in amplifiers, or motorized stages.
• Exposure to electro-optic devices, liquid crystals, metasurfaces, or nanophotonics.
• Experience with instrument control via Python (e.g., PyVISA, SCPI) or LabVIEW.
• Basic electrical measurement skills (oscilloscopes, function generators, multimeters, probe stations).
• Coursework or research involving statistics and data analysis of experimental datasets.

Responsibilities

• Execute structured optical test plans to characterize die-level metasurface photonic devices, measuring spectral reflectance, resonance, and electro-optic responses.
• Perform spectral measurements using broadband sources, tunable lasers, NIR spectrometers, and microscope-based IR imaging.
• Assist in building and improving test setups.
• Conduct voltage-driven electro-optic measurements using arbitrary waveform generators and fast photodetectors.
• Carry out die-to-die and wafer-level measurement campaigns with careful attention to calibration, alignment, repeatability, and documentation.
• Produce the statistical datasets that drive assessments of fabrication yield and device performance.
• Write and maintain Python scripts for instrument control, test automation, and data acquisition to increase measurement throughput and consistency.
• Analyze, visualize, and summarize measurements (resonance wavelength, linewidth, extinction ratio, modulation depth, and response times) and communicate findings.
• Perform supporting electrical measurements, including continuity and impedance verification of packaged devices.
• Develop expertise in photonic device testing and metasurface characterization, with opportunities to take on increasing ownership of measurement methodology over time.

Benefits

• 100% coverage of base health plan premiums for you and your dependents, plus HSA contributions.
• Unlimited PTO.
• 401(k) matching.
• Stock option opportunities.
• Full suite of voluntary benefits, including Dental, Vision, Life, Hospital, Critical Illness, and Accident insurance.
• Personalized Benefits: Choose the plans that fit your life and take the cash back for those that don’t.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level