What are the responsibilities and job description for the Optical Characterization Engineer position at Mesa Quantum Systems?
Mesa Quantum is seeking an Optical Characterization Engineer to support advanced electro-optical testing and analysis of semiconductor laser devices used in chip-scale quantum sensors. This role, reporting to the VP of Photonics, is ideal for a hands-on engineer with a strong background in optics, photonics, and semiconductor lasers who enjoys building and running sophisticated measurement setups, analyzing data, and working closely with senior engineers to improve device performance and test capability.
The engineer in this role will perform detailed characterization of quantum-optimized Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) across a range of operating conditions, including L-I-V-T, spectral behavior, linewidth, phase/frequency noise, relative intensity noise, modulation response, polarization, beam quality, and reliability- related testing. The role also includes support for screening and production-oriented optical measurements, helping bridge early-stage R&D characterization with scalable test methods.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform optical and electro-optical characterization of quantum-optimized VCSELs and related photonic devices using laboratory and automated test setups.
- Work with senior engineers to develop, refine, and troubleshoot advanced optical characterization methods and test benches.
- Analyze measurement data and correlate device performance with design, fabrication, packaging, and operating conditions.
- Support reliability and environmental testing, including temperature-dependent testing, aging studies, and other stress-based characterization workflows.
- Contribute to the development and validation of high-volume screening & qualification methodologies, with a path toward owning test flow development as the role matures.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for VCSEL characterization, ensuring measurement repeatability, traceability, and alignment with product acceptance criteria.
- Write scripts and software tools for data acquisition, automation, analysis, and reporting.
- Help maintain and improve laboratory equipment, test fixtures, and optical benches.
Required Qualifications
- M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a related field with 2 years of relevant industry experience, or a Ph.D. in a related field.
- Solid understanding of semiconductor laser physics, including laser operation, thermal effects, and modulation characteristics.
- Hands-on experience with characterization of semiconductor lasers and optoelectronic components.
- Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as optical spectrum analyzers, RF spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, source-measure units, temperature controllers, photodetectors, and related equipment.
- Experience analyzing experimental data using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience with VCSELs or other semiconductor laser devices
- Experience with advanced laser measurements, including linewidth measurement, noise characterization, RIN characterization, and RF measurements
- Experience with automated wafer-level, die-level, or packaged-device test environments.
- Familiarity with quantum sensing and atomic sensing is a plus.
Compensation Package:
Benefits
● Top tier employee and family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
● Unlimited PTO
● Paid parental leave
● Stock ownership plan
MesaQuantum is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.