Join Our Team as an Automation Engineer
Are you passionate about transforming complex lab processes into elegant, scalable automation systems? At Lightium, we are at the forefront of innovation with next-generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs) built on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). We are seeking an Automation Engineer to help us enhance our testing and validation processes.
Position Summary
In this role, you will become an integral part of our Characterization Team, taking ownership of automating wafer-scale optical and electrical measurements utilizing advanced equipment, including the MPI 3500. Your responsibilities will include developing robust control software, optimizing throughput and reliability, and closely collaborating with our data scientists to ensure streamlined measurement pipelines for analysis. Your contributions will be crucial in scaling our testing infrastructure and delivering high-quality data to our design and modeling teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Automated Test Infrastructure: Develop and maintain automated wafer-level measurement setups using advanced probers (e.g., MPI 3500). Ensure system robustness, speed, and repeatability.
- Lab Automation: Write Python-based control routines to operate optical and RF instruments. Manage instrument interfaces (e.g., GPIB, USB, Ethernet) and integrate new devices as required.
- Data Integration: Collaborate with the data science team to ensure reliable, structured data output suitable for statistical modeling and physical analysis.
- Collaboration: Work closely with PIC Characterization Engineers to convert testing needs into automated procedures. Coordinate with design and fabrication teams to align test automation with project priorities.
- Technical Expertise: Monitor and improve system performance, contribute to scaling test capacity, and stay updated on best practices in lab automation and photonic test systems.
What You’ll Bring
- Educational Background: An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Applied Physics, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field.
- Experience: Hands-on experience in automating test equipment in a lab environment. Familiarity with wafer-level photonic or electronic measurements is a strong advantage.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Python for lab automation, experience with hardware control interfaces (e.g., SCPI, VISA), and integration of optical or RF measurement tools.
- Organization & Documentation: Strong organizational skills to plan your work schedule, document your results and processes, and define standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility, ownership, and resilience in the face of change.
- Language Skills: Fluency in English is required.
What We Offer
- 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.
- A competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP) that reflects your experience and expertise.
- 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.
We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new technology from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and results-driven environment. Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.