Photonic Test Engineer

Miraex seeks a Senior Photonic Test Engineer in Lausanne to develop testing strategies for quantum hardware. This on-site role involves designing optical setups and automating data acquisition for integrated photonic devices.

As part of a fast-growing, investor-backed deep-tech startup, this position supports Miraex’s mission to build integrated circuits that bridge microwave and optical photons. The goal is to scale quantum computers for practical, real-world applications through rigorous hardware characterization and testing.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement testing and characterization plans for quantum hardware products.
• Construct, operate, and maintain optical and electro-optical measurement setups to evaluate integrated photonic components.
• Conduct experimental measurements such as optical transmission, loss analysis, modulation response, and overall device performance.
• Build and sustain automated systems for data acquisition and experimental control.
• Analyze experimental results, benchmark them against expected performance metrics, and pinpoint any discrepancies.
• Work closely with fabrication, design, and RF teams to provide feedback and drive iterative improvements in device performance.
• Help develop testing setups and measurement techniques suitable for cryogenic environments.
• Clearly document experimental procedures, findings, and key insights.
• Identify and implement improvements to test infrastructure, measurement accuracy, and data reliability.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in electrical engineering, applied physics, photonics, or a closely related field, or a Master’s degree combined with 2–5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Practical experience in the experimental characterization and testing of integrated photonic devices.
• Solid understanding of electromagnetic wave propagation and light–matter interaction, including the Pockels effect or electro-optic phenomena.
• Proven ability to set up and operate optical measurement systems, including fiber alignment, laser sources, detectors, and polarization control.
• Experience with automated data acquisition and experimental control using Python or similar tools.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis, including processing large datasets and visualization.
• Experience troubleshooting complex experimental setups, including identifying sources of noise, loss, or instability.
• Strong communication skills to present results to cross-functional teams.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary environments across photonics, electronics, and fabrication teams.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with RF or high-speed measurement techniques (e.g., S-parameters, bandwidth characterization).
• Cleanroom experience in lithography, deposition, etching, characterization, and metrology.
• Experience with foundries specialised in thin film lithium niobate, silicon nitride, or silicon photonics.
• Experience simulating mixed optical and RF or superconducting systems.
• Scripting for experimental control and data analysis down to cryogenic conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the IP portfolio.

What the company offers

• Participation in an international team with industrial and academic partners.
• Contribution to challenging industrial R&D as well as scientific projects.
• Participation in the Employee Stock Option Plan.
• Access to EPFL Innovation Park benefits including networking, expert access, and social/sport activities.
• Working environment in the heart of the Lake Geneva region, Switzerland.

About the company

Miraex is a fast-growing, investor-backed deep-tech startup on a mission to bring quantum computers to the necessary scale for real-life, practical applications. The company is building integrated circuits that bridge the gap between microwave photons and optical photons to bring quantum computers to scale.

• Mission-driven focus on scaling quantum computers for practical use.
• Fast-growing, investor-backed deep-tech startup environment.
• International team with industrial and academic partners.
• Access to EPFL Innovation Park benefits including networking, expert access, and social/sport activities.
• Working environment in the heart of the Lake Geneva region, Switzerland.