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 pioneering next-generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs) built on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). We are seeking an Automation Engineer to help us enhance how we test and validate our innovative technology.
Position Summary
In this role, you will become a vital member of our Characterization Team, taking ownership of automating wafer-scale optical and electrical measurements using advanced equipment like the MPI 3500. Your contributions will involve developing robust control software, optimizing throughput and reliability, and collaborating closely with our data scientists to ensure measurement pipelines are streamlined for analysis. Your work will be instrumental 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). 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 translate 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 up-to-date 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 within 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 to effectively plan your work schedule, document results and procedures, and define standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Collaboration: Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Adaptability: The ability to excel 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, joining a motivated and energetic team while having the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills swiftly.
We invite you to 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.