Photonics Test Engineer

QuEra Computing, Inc.•Boston, MA

7h•$128,000 - $208,000

About The Position

The Photonics team at QuEra Computing, Inc. develops photonic chips for integration into neutral-atom quantum computers. To support high-volume, high-precision characterization and reliable integration of these chips, the Photonics Test Engineer will architect and build a system bench testbed, operate it as part of the design-fab-test iteration cycle, and drive photonic-chip integration and validation within the full quantum system. The role works closely with photonic design engineers, foundry partners, and system integrators to define test criteria, establish automated test infrastructure, and deliver measurement data that informs future quantum processing units (QPUs). The engineer owns project progress against department and company goals and may mentor colleagues across projects.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, physics, optical engineering, or a related field.
At least 3 years working as a Test Engineer or Photonics Engineer with hands-on responsibility for photonic or semiconductor device testing.
Demonstrated experience specifying, procuring, integrating, and bringing up new die-level test stations for photonic or optoelectronic devices.
Hands-on laboratory skills with fiber and free-space optics, including fiber-to-chip and edge/grating coupling, active alignment, lasers, detectors, and optical modulators.
Strong automation and Python programming experience; experience programming laboratory equipment using SCPI, PyVISA, or LabVIEW.
Knowledge of fundamental electrical, mechanical, and optics concepts, and experience with hardware debugging.
Hands-on experience integrating photonic or optoelectronic components into larger optical, electro-optical, or laser systems, from assembly and alignment through bring-up and verification.
Experience writing integration procedures, interface control documents, and system-level test plans, and tracing system performance to component specifications.
Strong system-level debugging skills across optical, electrical, mechanical, and software domains.
Excellent documentation and communication skills, including the ability to explain test procedures and measurement data.
Deep interest in developing and commercializing quantum technologies, self-starter approach, and experience working in a highly collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

PhD in electrical engineering, physics, optical engineering, or a related field.
Experience testing photonic integrated circuits at a foundry, large photonics firm, or high-volume photonics manufacturer.
Experience with automated probe stations and precision alignment equipment, such as FormFactor/Cascade, MPI, or PI/Physik Instrumente.
Experience with cleanroom protocols and handling bare die.
Experience building test data infrastructure, including databases, dashboards, and analysis pipelines.
Experience integrating photonics into quantum, atomic physics (AMO), or other complex scientific instruments, including work with vacuum, thermal, and vibration constraints.

Responsibilities

Architect, design, and build system-level photonic bench testbeds, including die-level testing, packaged-chip characterization, fixturing, automated data collection, instrumentation, and environmental controls.
Operate testbeds day to day, run die-level test campaigns, maximize throughput and uptime, and maintain calibration and measurement repeatability.
Develop Python-based automated test software for instrument control, data acquisition, analysis pipelines, and reporting dashboards.
Work with photonic design engineers and foundry partners to define verification specifications, test structures, and pass/fail criteria for photonic integrated circuits, and support design-fab-test iteration cycles.
Generate test reports and statistical yield analyses documenting each die, assembly, and lot, and communicate results to multidisciplinary engineering and science teams.
Develop and de-risk test methodologies and components for future QPUs.
Lead integration of photonic chips and modules into QPU optical subsystems, including fiber attachment, free-space interfacing, mounting, and alignment with the optical path.
Define and conduct incoming inspection, acceptance, and in-system validation tests connecting die-level results to system-level performance.
Work with system integrators and optical, mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers to define interface specifications, integration procedures, and system-level requirements for photonic components.
Debug and identify root causes of subsystem- and system-level issues, and feed findings back into chip design, packaging, and test criteria.