Senior Photonics Characterization Engineer - 100%

Lightium AG seeks a Senior Photonics Characterization Engineer in Schlieren to lead electro-optical and RF testing for TFLN-based photonic integrated circuits, driving technology from concept to mass production.

As a key member of Lightium’s R&D efforts, this position focuses on advancing next-generation photonics solutions through close collaboration with academic partners. The engineer plays a central role in transitioning cutting-edge photonic technologies from initial design concepts into scalable mass manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply industry-leading electro-optical and RF measurement techniques, including creating standard operating procedures for TFLN-based PIC technology.
• Perform high-speed electro-optical and RF testing at both die and wafer levels, handling data rates above 200 Gb/s and analog bandwidths exceeding 100 GHz.
• Automate the wafer prober platform using Python scripts to streamline testing workflows.
• Implement laboratory automation for high-speed RF and optical equipment.
• Organize and maintain structured technical databases.
• Collaborate closely with R&D teams throughout the design, optical testing, and characterization phases.
• Travel occasionally to visit customers and test partners.
• Produce detailed documentation and reports on test findings.
• Create standard operating procedures and provide training to new team members.
• Monitor recent developments in the photonics field.
• Contribute to the company’s intellectual property portfolio.

Requirements

• A PhD or postdoctoral degree in Communication, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of three years of experience conducting RF and optical measurements at the die and wafer levels.
• Proven expertise in fiber-to-chip coupling methods, including grating and edge coupling.
• Strong practical background in die-level and wafer-level testing procedures.
• Solid skills in laboratory automation and programming, particularly in Python, Opentap, C++, or C#.
• Fluent proficiency in English.

Nice to have

• Previous experience with integrated photonics platforms such as TFLN, silicon photonics, SiN, or InP.
• Familiarity with wafer-level test platforms like MPI, Formfactor, or Cascade.
• Hands-on experience with VNAs, LCAs, and associated calibration techniques.
• Knowledge of German, French, or an Asian language.

What the company offers

• A competitive compensation and benefits package.
• An employee stock option plan (ESOP).
• Full coverage of Pillar Two pension contributions.
• Generous vacation time.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.

About the company

Lightium AG is an early-stage startup recognized as a leader in photonics innovation. The team is characterized by its youth, motivation, and energy, fostering a collaborative and result-driven culture.

• Early-phase startup environment.
• Young, motivated, and energetic team.
• Collaborative and result-driven culture.