Join Our Team as an Automation Engineer
Are you passionate about transforming complex laboratory processes into elegant, scalable automation systems? At Lightium, we are at the forefront of developing next-generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs) built on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). We are seeking an Automation Engineer to help accelerate the testing and validation of our groundbreaking technology.
Position Summary
In this role, you will become a vital member of our Characterization Team, where you will take charge of automating wafer-scale optical and electrical measurements using state-of-the-art equipment, such as the MPI 3500. You will create robust control software, enhance throughput and reliability, and collaborate closely with our data scientists to streamline measurement pipelines for analysis. Your efforts will be crucial in expanding 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). 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 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 requirements 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 with 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 within a laboratory 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, record results and processes, and define standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility, ownership, and resilience amidst 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 help shape the future of telecommunications, data communications, 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 chance to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at an accelerated 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. 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.