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Photonics Validation Engineer
Accepting applicationsLyte · Sunnyvale, CA
Full-Time Mid_senior AIASICFPGAMATLABPython
Posted
1d ago
Category
Design
Experience
Mid_senior
Country
United States
About Lyte
Lyte builds perception systems for Physical AI operating in complex environments. The company combines custom silicon, integrated sensors, and software into a unified platform for robotics, mobility, and next-generation automation. Lyte is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with a global presence. For more information, visit www.lyte.ai
If you’re excited about building impactful technology in a dynamic, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you!
About The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Photonics Validation Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for validating photonics sub-systems and packaged opto-electronic modules — building test infrastructure from the ground up and driving failure analysis from component level through module level. This position requires hands-on expertise in optical and electro-optic testing, strong troubleshooting instincts, and the ability to work closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team. Experience with EIC control, firmware/FPGA/ASIC-based test environments, coherent communications, and data analysis is essential. Background in free space optics, micro-optics, packaging, and III-V semiconductor physics is a plus. You will work alongside a world-class, cross-functional team in a fast-paced and rapidly growing environment.
What You'll Do
Build test benches and automated test setups from scratch for photonics systems, components, and packaged opto-electronic devices
Design, execute, and refine test plans and validation methodologies across wafer, chip, eval board, and sub-module levels
Perform spectrum analysis, noise analysis and FFT-based signal analysis
Validate coherent communication systems and modules (e.g., coherent receivers, DSP-linked subsystems)
Perform failure analysis efforts — root-causing device and system failures across optical, electrical, and firmware layers, and driving corrective actions
Perform passive optical testing (insertion loss, return loss, wavelength response, etc.)
Troubleshoot and debug test setups and design issues, identifying and resolving challenges
Analyze and visualize test data to characterize device performance and identify trends or deviations
Interface with EIC controls, firmware, and embedded software during test bring-up
Collaborate with FPGA/ASIC teams to support test automation, debug, and validation workflows
Work closely with cross-functional teams (design, packaging, manufacturing, product) to drive issues from detection to resolution
Document test procedures, results, and failure analyses; communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders
Support the transition of test methodologies from R&D into high-volume manufacturing
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or a related field; a Master's or Ph.D. is welcome but not required
3–7 years of relevant industry or applied research experience in photonics validation, optical testing, or opto-electronic systems
Hands-on experience testing photonic or opto-electronic components, subsystems, or packaged modules
Experience building test benches, fixtures, or automated test setups from the ground up
Strong failure-analysis and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to isolate root causes across optical, electrical, and firmware domains
Hands-on experience with optical and electrical lab equipment, including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and optical power meters
Proficiency in data analysis, automation, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
Working knowledge of coherent optical communication principles
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines
Preferred Qualifications
Experience interfacing with EIC controls, firmware, or embedded software during test bring-up
Experience with FPGA- or ASIC-based test environments and validation workflows
Experience with spectrum, noise, or FFT-based signal analysis
Background in free-space optics, micro-optics, photonics packaging, or III-V semiconductor physics
Experience transitioning test methodologies from R&D into manufacturing or high-volume production
Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)
Competitive salary and equity
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Flexible vacation and time-off policy
Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a highly cross-functional team
The Pay Range For This Role Is
170,000 - 250,000 USD per year(Bay Area, CA)
Show more Show less
Lyte builds perception systems for Physical AI operating in complex environments. The company combines custom silicon, integrated sensors, and software into a unified platform for robotics, mobility, and next-generation automation. Lyte is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with a global presence. For more information, visit www.lyte.ai
If you’re excited about building impactful technology in a dynamic, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you!
About The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Photonics Validation Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for validating photonics sub-systems and packaged opto-electronic modules — building test infrastructure from the ground up and driving failure analysis from component level through module level. This position requires hands-on expertise in optical and electro-optic testing, strong troubleshooting instincts, and the ability to work closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team. Experience with EIC control, firmware/FPGA/ASIC-based test environments, coherent communications, and data analysis is essential. Background in free space optics, micro-optics, packaging, and III-V semiconductor physics is a plus. You will work alongside a world-class, cross-functional team in a fast-paced and rapidly growing environment.
What You'll Do
Build test benches and automated test setups from scratch for photonics systems, components, and packaged opto-electronic devices
Design, execute, and refine test plans and validation methodologies across wafer, chip, eval board, and sub-module levels
Perform spectrum analysis, noise analysis and FFT-based signal analysis
Validate coherent communication systems and modules (e.g., coherent receivers, DSP-linked subsystems)
Perform failure analysis efforts — root-causing device and system failures across optical, electrical, and firmware layers, and driving corrective actions
Perform passive optical testing (insertion loss, return loss, wavelength response, etc.)
Troubleshoot and debug test setups and design issues, identifying and resolving challenges
Analyze and visualize test data to characterize device performance and identify trends or deviations
Interface with EIC controls, firmware, and embedded software during test bring-up
Collaborate with FPGA/ASIC teams to support test automation, debug, and validation workflows
Work closely with cross-functional teams (design, packaging, manufacturing, product) to drive issues from detection to resolution
Document test procedures, results, and failure analyses; communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders
Support the transition of test methodologies from R&D into high-volume manufacturing
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or a related field; a Master's or Ph.D. is welcome but not required
3–7 years of relevant industry or applied research experience in photonics validation, optical testing, or opto-electronic systems
Hands-on experience testing photonic or opto-electronic components, subsystems, or packaged modules
Experience building test benches, fixtures, or automated test setups from the ground up
Strong failure-analysis and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to isolate root causes across optical, electrical, and firmware domains
Hands-on experience with optical and electrical lab equipment, including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and optical power meters
Proficiency in data analysis, automation, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
Working knowledge of coherent optical communication principles
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines
Preferred Qualifications
Experience interfacing with EIC controls, firmware, or embedded software during test bring-up
Experience with FPGA- or ASIC-based test environments and validation workflows
Experience with spectrum, noise, or FFT-based signal analysis
Background in free-space optics, micro-optics, photonics packaging, or III-V semiconductor physics
Experience transitioning test methodologies from R&D into manufacturing or high-volume production
Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)
Competitive salary and equity
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Flexible vacation and time-off policy
Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a highly cross-functional team
The Pay Range For This Role Is
170,000 - 250,000 USD per year(Bay Area, CA)
Show more Show less