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Photonic Design Engineer

Lumilens
San Jose, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/30/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/28/2026
Role Overview

Lumilens we are building the critical photonics infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s AI supercomputing. From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new era of computing—faster, cooler, and massively more efficient.

We’re a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield and led by veterans who’ve built and scaled some of the most transformative technologies in the industry. This isn’t incremental innovation's a ground-floor opportunity to rethink the optical layer from the silicon up. You’ll work alongside a team of world-class engineers solving some of the hardest challenges in optics, systems, and scale. Every line of code, every design decision, every breakthrough you help deliver will shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.

If you're looking for mission, momentum, and the chance to make an outsized impact—jump on the rocket ship. We’re just getting started.

Role Overview

We are seeking an innovative Photonics Design Engineer to join our core R&D team. In this role, you will drive the development of our next-generation Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). You will have the unique opportunity to own the full lifecycle of critical devices and subsystems—from architectural concept and simulation to layout and tapeout.

Key Responsibilities:

  • PIC Validation: Execute comprehensive validation of new Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and optoelectronic modules using evaluation PCBs and probe stations.
  • High-Speed Characterization: Perform electro-optical testing using high-speed equipment, including Bit Error Rate Testers (BERT), Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWG), Real-time/Sampling Oscilloscopes, Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), and Lightwave Component Analyzers (LCA).
  • DC & Optical Testing: Conduct spectral and DC measurements using Tunable Lasers, Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA), Variable Optical Attenuators (VOA), and source-measure units.
  • Test Development: Develop and automate test scripts (Python, LabVIEW, or similar) for die-level and wafer-level characterization.
  • Manufacturing Transfer: Design test plans and methodologies that can be transferred from the R&D bench to high-volume manufacturing environments.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Test Experience: Hands-on experience with optical and electrical test setups, including fiber alignment, probing, and signal integrity measurements.
  • Equipment Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to operate high-speed test equipment (Scopes, VNAs, AWGs) and optical instrumentation (Lasers, OSAs).
  • Data Analysis: Strong ability to process and analyze large datasets to extract key performance metrics.

Preferred Qualifications (Bonus)

  • Silicon Photonics Knowledge: Deep understanding of Silicon Photonics physics and failure modes.
  • Automation: Experience building automated test setups for wafer-scale testing.
  • PCB Knowledge: Familiarity with high-speed PCB design or troubleshooting for optical module evaluation.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a job. It's a chance to get in on the ground floor of a well-funded company set to disrupt a multi-billion dollar market. You will have the autonomy to make a massive impact, the resources to execute your vision, and a significant stake in the company you help build.

What we offer

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

  • Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance
  • Professional development opportunities and certification support
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and cloud platforms
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
  • Lumilens is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, identity, orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Salary.com Estimation for Photonic Design Engineer in San Jose, CA
$115,612 to $135,624
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  • Lumilens San Jose, CA
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  • 14 Days Ago


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