Senior Photonics Characterization Engineer - 100%

Senior Photonics Characterization Engineer - 100% Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology? Lightium, a leading-edge photonics startup, is looking for a skilled Senior Photonics Characterization Engineer to spearhead the development of new measurement tools and techniques for our innovative thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of photonics solutions while collaborating with top academic institutions. Position Summary As a Senior Photonics Characterization Engineer, you will define, develop and optimize new electro-optical test and measurement methods to advance our TFLN-based PIC platforms. Your contributions will be pivotal in continuing the innovation at our state-of-the-art metrology lab in our cleanroom, bringing our cutting-edge photonic technologies from concept to mass manufacturing. Key Responsibilities Procedures: Define and implement best-in-class electro-optical RF measurement methods and standard operating procedures for Lightium’s TFLN-based PIC technology in collaboration with its internal and external stakeholders. Technical Work: Conduct electro-optical and RF measurements at die and wafer level with data rates exceeding 200 Gb/s and analog bandwidths exceeding 100 GHz. Strong background in fiber-to-chip coupling (grating- and edge coupling) . Lab Automation: Automation of Lightium’s automated wafer prober platform using a python-based scripting language. Laboratory automation of RF and optical high-speed equipment. Maintaining a well-structured database. Collaboration: Work closely with the R&D teams from design to optical testing and characterization, contributing to cross-functional projects to advance our TFLN technologies. Occasional travel to Lightium’s customers and test partners. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation and report findings, as well as establishing standard-operating procedures and training new colleagues. Innovation: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in photonics, incorporating new techniques and technologies into our metrology landscape. Contribution to Lightium’s IP portfolio. What You’ll Bring Educational Background: An advanced degree (PhD or Postdoc) in Communication, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field. Experience: At least 3 years work experience in RF and optical measurements at die and wafer level, ideally at industrial scale. Prior experience with integrated photonics, such as TFLN, silicon photonics, SiN, InP or related photonics platforms. Technical Skills: Proficiency in die-level and wafer-level testing. Strong background in lab automation and programming languages like Python, Opentap, C++ or C#. Prior experience with wafer-level test platforms like MPI, Formfactor or Cascade is a plus. Experience with VNAs, LCAs and related calibration techniques is a plus. Organization & Documentation: Strong organizational skills to plan your work schedule between multiple facilities, record your results and procedures follow facilities’ guidelines, and use best practices to maintain confidentiality. Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and with international customers. Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change. Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German, French or an Asian language is an advantage. What We Offer Competitive compensation and benefits package , including an employee stock option plan (ESOP), fully-covered Pillar Two, and generous vacation. A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics. A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond. Final Thoughts We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and result-driven environment. Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace. Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Locations Zürich Remote status Hybrid About Lightium AG Just as silicon chips reshaped electronics, Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are poised to revolutionize how we process, store, and transmit data. As data creation and consumption explode, transmission speeds struggle to keep up. We are proud to be Europe’s first company to offer a high-volume, production-grade foundry platform based on our proprietary thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) technology. This material outperforms traditional silicon photonics in speed, power efficiency, and overall performance. We are positioned at the forefront of photonics, enabling ultra-high speeds for our connected world.