Photonics Characterization Intern- Winter 2026
About The Position
Lightmatter is seeking a PhD candidate or recent PhD graduate in photonics for an internship in Photonics Characterization. The role involves electro-optic testing and characterization of silicon photonics chips, devices, and components, including micro-rings, optical phase shifters, and Mach-Zehnder interferometers. The intern will work hands-on with optical and semiconductor test equipment, design and execute testing protocols, and develop automated testing and system interfaces using Python. The position calls for an analytical, process-oriented person able to work independently in a laboratory, solve complex technical problems, and turn test data into actionable strategies. The Photonics & Silicon Engineering team designs and develops photonic processors and interconnects that use light for computation and communication. Lightmatter's silicon photonics work integrates optical components onto silicon to support high-speed, low-power performance for advanced AI and high-performance computing workloads. The position offers an hourly range of $53–$65, determined by location, experience, education, and market data. Benefits eligibility may vary by employment status and location.
Requirements
- Recent PhD graduate or PhD candidate in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of silicon photonics.
- Demonstrated experience in electro-optic testing of components such as micro-rings and Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
- Experience developing and implementing automated testing systems using Python scripting.
- Ability to translate data into actionable strategies.
- Highly analytical and process-oriented, with the ability to work independently to solve complex technical problems in a laboratory environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Capacity to comply with federally mandated U.S. export control requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Microcontroller programming experience.
- Experience with high-speed instruments.
- Experience with high-speed communications and understanding of VNAs and optical links.
- Understanding of high-speed PCBs and/or microelectronics.
- Experience working in a graduate-level photonics or electrical engineering lab.
- Willingness and curiosity to learn from the team.
Responsibilities
- Participate in electro-optic testing of photonics chips and devices using optical instruments.
- Test and characterize silicon photonics components, including micro-rings, optical phase shifters, and Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
- Operate optical equipment such as lasers, electro-optic modulators, semiconductor optical amplifiers, PIN receivers, optical spectrum analyzers, optical vector analyzers, and optical filters.
- Use 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.
- Analyze data and translate results into actionable strategies.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care plan, including medical, dental, and vision.
- Retirement savings matching program.
- Basic, voluntary, and AD&D life insurance.
- Vacation, sick, and public holiday time off.
- Paid family leave.
- Short-term and long-term disability.
- Training and development.
- Commuter benefits.
- Flexible, hybrid workplace model.
- Equity grants for eligible full-time employees.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
