PK
Senior Electrical Engineer
Accepting applicationsPhoton Kinetics · Beaverton, OR
Full-Time Mid_senior AISPICEaianalogate
Posted
1d ago
Category
Manufacturing
Experience
Mid_senior
Country
United States
ABOUT PHOTON KINETICS
Photon Kinetics is the world’s trusted standard in optical fiber testing and measurement solutions. For more than 40 years, our instruments have helped fiber and cable manufacturers deliver the performance that enables high-speed communication networks around the globe. 95% of the world’s optical fiber has been tested using our equipment. As the world moves deeper into AI-driven computing and hyperscale data centers, the demand for precise measurement and reliable optical infrastructure continues to grow. Photon Kinetics is applying its expertise in measurement science, automation, and precision systems to help build the connectivity backbone that powers the next generation of data and AI technologies.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Senior Electrical Engineer is a core member of the Product Development Engineering team, responsible for designing, developing, and improving the analog, mixed-signal, and data-acquisition electronics at the heart of Photon Kinetics' test and measurement instruments. You will work across the full design lifecycle—from initial concept and SPICE simulation through PCB layout, prototyping, and production release. Your circuits will handle signals from DC to 2 GHz, including ultra-low-noise photodiode front ends, small-signal amplifier chains, and precision power supplies. You will also contribute to microcontroller firmware for bare-metal and embedded systems. This role requires a hands-on engineer who thrives on solving difficult measurement problems and who values the kind of precision and reliability that define Photon Kinetics' reputation in the industry.
WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE IN YEAR ONE
Deliver Production-Ready Circuit Designs: Complete at least one major analog or mixed-signal design from concept through validated prototype, meeting performance specifications and ready for manufacturing release.
Strengthen Product Development Engineering Capability: Establish yourself as a go-to resource for analog and mixed-signal design within the team. Contribute to design reviews, mentor junior engineers where appropriate, and help build repeatable design practices for low-noise signal chains and data-acquisition systems.
Support Manufacturing and Customer Success: Work with Manufacturing Engineering to develop test procedures and resolve production issues for new and existing products. Provide technical support to Customer Service when field problems require deep electrical expertise.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Circuit Design & Development
Design and maintain analog and mixed-signal circuits from DC to 2 GHz, including small-signal amplifier chains, precision data-acquisition systems, and DC-DC power supplies
Design ultra-low-noise photodiode front ends and signal conditioning circuits for high-performance optical measurement instruments
Perform detailed analytical and experimental analysis of electrical circuits using SPICE simulation and bench testing; document results clearly and thoroughly
Manage designs from initial concept through schematic capture, PCB layout optimization (component placement and signal routing), prototyping, and production release
Firmware & Embedded Systems
Contribute to microcontroller firmware development for bare-metal and embedded systems used in PK instruments
Participate in programming, debugging, and testing of microcontroller-based subsystems
Manufacturing & Customer Support
Assist Manufacturing in developing test procedures and diagnosing problems during production startup of new products
Define testing and acceptance criteria for finished products
Provide technical support for Customer Service and Marketing when field issues require electrical engineering expertise
Product Strategy & Continuous Improvement
Participate in design reviews and contribute to cross-functional project teams
Monitor trends and innovations in components, technologies, and techniques relevant to Photon Kinetics' product lines
Continuously improve the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of PK products
Develop an understanding of Photon Kinetics' products, key markets, and customer applications
Leadership & Development
May manage or lead projects of broad scope and complexity to develop and introduce new or significantly enhanced products into manufacturing
May train or mentor less experienced engineers
Comply with all Photon Kinetics quality procedures and work instructions
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
BSEE or MSEE, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
4+ years of hands-on experience designing analog and mixed-signal circuits
Demonstrated experience with low-noise signal chain design and data-acquisition systems
Proficiency with SPICE simulation and analytical circuit design techniques from concept through physical PCB realization
Experience with PCB CAD tools and an understanding of component placement and signal routing for mixed-signal boards
Working knowledge of microcontroller programming and embedded systems
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with Altium Designer or comparable PCB design tools
Experience designing DC-DC power supplies
Familiarity with Microchip PIC microcontrollers and associated toolchain
Knowledge of high-performance industrial test and measurement instrumentation
Exposure to fiber-optic test and measurement techniques, including OTDRs
Experience working effectively as both a team contributor and a project lead
WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT
Hands-on design ownership—your circuits ship in instruments used by fiber manufacturers worldwide
Work across the full signal path, from ultra-low-noise photodiode front ends to digital data acquisition and embedded firmware
Collaborate directly with Manufacturing, Applications, and Customer Service—short feedback loops from design to production to field performance
Join the company whose equipment tests 95% of the world's optical fiber—your designs directly support the infrastructure behind AI, data centers, and global communications
A team of approximately 65 people where engineering decisions are visible, your contributions are recognized, and your work matters
WHY JOIN PHOTON KINETICS
You’ll work on technologies that enable the next wave of AI and data center innovation. At Photon Kinetics, you’ll join a highly skilled, collaborative team where your contributions directly impact the products and relationships that connect the world. You’ll have visibility and influence in a company recognized globally for engineering excellence, precision, and trusted performance. We value different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. The best solutions come from teams that think differently.
Show more Show less
Photon Kinetics is the world’s trusted standard in optical fiber testing and measurement solutions. For more than 40 years, our instruments have helped fiber and cable manufacturers deliver the performance that enables high-speed communication networks around the globe. 95% of the world’s optical fiber has been tested using our equipment. As the world moves deeper into AI-driven computing and hyperscale data centers, the demand for precise measurement and reliable optical infrastructure continues to grow. Photon Kinetics is applying its expertise in measurement science, automation, and precision systems to help build the connectivity backbone that powers the next generation of data and AI technologies.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Senior Electrical Engineer is a core member of the Product Development Engineering team, responsible for designing, developing, and improving the analog, mixed-signal, and data-acquisition electronics at the heart of Photon Kinetics' test and measurement instruments. You will work across the full design lifecycle—from initial concept and SPICE simulation through PCB layout, prototyping, and production release. Your circuits will handle signals from DC to 2 GHz, including ultra-low-noise photodiode front ends, small-signal amplifier chains, and precision power supplies. You will also contribute to microcontroller firmware for bare-metal and embedded systems. This role requires a hands-on engineer who thrives on solving difficult measurement problems and who values the kind of precision and reliability that define Photon Kinetics' reputation in the industry.
WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE IN YEAR ONE
Deliver Production-Ready Circuit Designs: Complete at least one major analog or mixed-signal design from concept through validated prototype, meeting performance specifications and ready for manufacturing release.
Strengthen Product Development Engineering Capability: Establish yourself as a go-to resource for analog and mixed-signal design within the team. Contribute to design reviews, mentor junior engineers where appropriate, and help build repeatable design practices for low-noise signal chains and data-acquisition systems.
Support Manufacturing and Customer Success: Work with Manufacturing Engineering to develop test procedures and resolve production issues for new and existing products. Provide technical support to Customer Service when field problems require deep electrical expertise.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Circuit Design & Development
Design and maintain analog and mixed-signal circuits from DC to 2 GHz, including small-signal amplifier chains, precision data-acquisition systems, and DC-DC power supplies
Design ultra-low-noise photodiode front ends and signal conditioning circuits for high-performance optical measurement instruments
Perform detailed analytical and experimental analysis of electrical circuits using SPICE simulation and bench testing; document results clearly and thoroughly
Manage designs from initial concept through schematic capture, PCB layout optimization (component placement and signal routing), prototyping, and production release
Firmware & Embedded Systems
Contribute to microcontroller firmware development for bare-metal and embedded systems used in PK instruments
Participate in programming, debugging, and testing of microcontroller-based subsystems
Manufacturing & Customer Support
Assist Manufacturing in developing test procedures and diagnosing problems during production startup of new products
Define testing and acceptance criteria for finished products
Provide technical support for Customer Service and Marketing when field issues require electrical engineering expertise
Product Strategy & Continuous Improvement
Participate in design reviews and contribute to cross-functional project teams
Monitor trends and innovations in components, technologies, and techniques relevant to Photon Kinetics' product lines
Continuously improve the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of PK products
Develop an understanding of Photon Kinetics' products, key markets, and customer applications
Leadership & Development
May manage or lead projects of broad scope and complexity to develop and introduce new or significantly enhanced products into manufacturing
May train or mentor less experienced engineers
Comply with all Photon Kinetics quality procedures and work instructions
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
BSEE or MSEE, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
4+ years of hands-on experience designing analog and mixed-signal circuits
Demonstrated experience with low-noise signal chain design and data-acquisition systems
Proficiency with SPICE simulation and analytical circuit design techniques from concept through physical PCB realization
Experience with PCB CAD tools and an understanding of component placement and signal routing for mixed-signal boards
Working knowledge of microcontroller programming and embedded systems
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with Altium Designer or comparable PCB design tools
Experience designing DC-DC power supplies
Familiarity with Microchip PIC microcontrollers and associated toolchain
Knowledge of high-performance industrial test and measurement instrumentation
Exposure to fiber-optic test and measurement techniques, including OTDRs
Experience working effectively as both a team contributor and a project lead
WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT
Hands-on design ownership—your circuits ship in instruments used by fiber manufacturers worldwide
Work across the full signal path, from ultra-low-noise photodiode front ends to digital data acquisition and embedded firmware
Collaborate directly with Manufacturing, Applications, and Customer Service—short feedback loops from design to production to field performance
Join the company whose equipment tests 95% of the world's optical fiber—your designs directly support the infrastructure behind AI, data centers, and global communications
A team of approximately 65 people where engineering decisions are visible, your contributions are recognized, and your work matters
WHY JOIN PHOTON KINETICS
You’ll work on technologies that enable the next wave of AI and data center innovation. At Photon Kinetics, you’ll join a highly skilled, collaborative team where your contributions directly impact the products and relationships that connect the world. You’ll have visibility and influence in a company recognized globally for engineering excellence, precision, and trusted performance. We value different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. The best solutions come from teams that think differently.
Show more Show less