Join Our Team as an Automation Engineer
Are you passionate about transforming complex lab processes into elegant, scalable automation systems? At Lightium, we are pioneering next-generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs) built on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN), and we are seeking an Automation Engineer to help us enhance our technology testing and validation processes.
Position Summary
As a member of our Characterization Team, you will take ownership of automating wafer-scale optical and electrical measurements using advanced equipment such as the MPI 3500. Your role will involve developing robust control software, optimizing throughput and reliability, and collaborating closely with our data scientists to ensure streamlined measurement pipelines for analysis. Your contributions will be vital in scaling our testing infrastructure and delivering high-quality data for 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), ensuring 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 necessary.
- 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 translate testing needs into automated procedures. Coordinate with design and fabrication teams to align test automation with project priorities.
- Technical Expertise: Monitor and enhance system performance while contributing to scaling test capacity and staying current with best practices in lab automation and photonic test systems.
What You’ll Bring
- Educational Background: An advanced degree (Master 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 significant advantage.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Python for lab automation, with experience in hardware control interfaces (e.g., SCPI, VISA) and the integration of optical or RF measurement tools.
- Organization & Documentation: Strong organizational skills for planning work schedules, recording results and processes, and defining standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Collaboration: Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Adaptability: The 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.
- The chance to become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a motivated, young, and energetic team, allowing you to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace.
If you are passionate about building new technology from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and result-driven environment, we would love to hear from you. 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.