Photonics Test Technician
AI Summary
A Photonics Test Technician runs wafer-level tests and operates advanced metrology systems for silicon photonics and MEMS devices, ensuring data quality and flagging anomalies to engineering.
About this role
About us
nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye’s MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical bottlenecks in AI processing by enabling direct optical connections among thousands of GPUs and memory units. The company's OCS is an ultra-low power consumption, high radix, compact chip-scale design, offering hyperscale data centers enhanced performance, efficiency, and scalability.
Job Overview
We are looking for a highly skilled photonics test technician with experience in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments: someone who can execute wafer-level testing with rigor while also applying judgment to the data they observe.
You will be responsible for running wafer-level tests and operating advanced metrology systems, but just as importantly, you will serve as a first line of defense for data quality, for example identifying anomalies, spotting inconsistencies, and flagging issues to engineering.
This role is ideal for someone who has spent years working hands-on with high-end optical systems or metrology tools, understands the scale and precision involved, and knows when something “doesn’t look right.”
Key Responsibilities
Operate and support wafer-level test setups for silicon photonics and MEMS-based devices
Load wafers, execute test sequences, and ensure consistent, high-quality test execution
Work with high-precision optical and metrology equipment to collect measurement data
Perform optical alignment and fiber-based test setups as needed
Monitor test outputs and identify anomalies, drift, or unexpected behavior in data
Proactively flag irregularities to engineers, providing clear observations and context
Troubleshoot test setups and support root cause analysis of failures
Maintain and calibrate lab equipment to ensure accuracy and repeatability
Accurately document test procedures, results, and observations
Support engineers in debugging, validation, and test optimization efforts
Contribute to improving lab workflows, test processes, and overall data quality
Required Qualifications
Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
Equivalent hands-on industry experience is highly valued; a formal degree is not required for this role
Strong hands-on experience with single mode fiber optics
Experience working in precision optical, photonics, or MEMS environments
Experience operating high-end metrology or measurement equipment
Background in wafer-level testing, semiconductor environments, or advanced hardware labs
Proven ability to execute structured test procedures with consistency and accuracy
Experience identifying test anomalies, system issues, or data inconsistencies
Familiarity with lab instrumentation (e.g., optical setups, oscilloscopes, power meters, etc.)
Comfortable working in cleanroom or controlled lab environments
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow complex procedures
Preferred Skills
Experience with silicon photonics or optical device testing
Experience working with laser systems, optical alignment, or fiber coupling
Familiarity with wafer probing, optical characterization, or MEMS devices
Experience supporting R&D or early-stage product development environments
Skills
Explore related jobs
More jobs at nEye.ai
Senior Packaging Failure Analysis EngineerSanta Clara, CA
MEMS Process EngineerEmeryville, CA
Senior Silicon Photonics DesignerSanta Clara, CA
Senior Mechanical EngineerSanta Clara, CA
Principal Systems Packaging & Assembly EngineerSanta Clara, CA
Principal Packaging Engineer, Optical InterfacesSanta Clara, CA
Similar Fiber Optics jobs
Jobs in Santa Clara
- HLaundry Worker (Part Time, 2nd Shift)Hcsgcorp · SANTA CLARA, CA
Hardware Lead Engineer, Hyperscale Line of BusinessEverpure · Santa Clara, California- Senior Counsel, Real EstateOklo · Santa Clara, CA or Remote
- General Internship Application 2027Oklo · Santa Clara, CA or Any Office Location
- SEC & ESG Reporting ManagerServicenow · Santa Clara, CALIFORNIA
- Presales Solution Manager (Continental US Only)dragonboat Inc. · Santa Clara, CA
Browse these categories
Market data for this role
All reports →- SeriesRole reportsOne role family at a time: how many openings, what changed this week, who is hiring, what it pays.
- SeriesSalary reportsWhat employers publish in job postings, by level and workplace. Not self-reported pay.
- Market overviewState of tech hiring, September 2026: up 4.8%Tech hiring rose 4.8% month over month in September 2026, with 411,122 new listings. Customer support and account executive roles led the growth.