Head of PIC Characterisation

Are you ready to lead the charge in the next generation of photonic integrated circuits (PIC)? Lightium, a pioneering force in the photonic industry, seeks an experienced and dynamic Head of Testing to spearhead our metrology strategies and manage our characterisation team. This role demands hands-on experience, leadership skills, and a strategic mindset to drive our testing processes and support our mission of transforming information and communication technologies.

As the Head of Testing Group, you will lead and manage the characterisation team, define testing strategies, and oversee complex metrology processes. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing testing protocols, ensuring our photonic components' highest quality and performance. Your role involves hands-on testing, teaching and mentoring the team and fostering a collaborative environment. This position requires close collaboration with our multidisciplinary teams, including design, modelling, process development, and integration, to bring groundbreaking photonic solutions from concept to market.

Team Leadership: Build, manage, and mentor the photonic characterisation team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

Testing Strategy: Define and implement comprehensive testing strategies for various passive, electro-optic, nonlinear, and active PIC components, especially for wafer-level testing of large sets of components.

Hands-On Testing: Conduct complex testing processes, including building and maintaining optical and RF experimental apparatus and setting up automation algorithms for automatic measurements in probe stations.

Data Analysis: Develop and incorporate machine learning algorithms to analyse large statistical measurement data and extract physical Process Design Kits (PDK) models.

Lab Management: Maintain the experimental lab up-to-date, including procuring new equipment and maintaining high safety and efficiency standards.

PDK Development: Collaborate closely with the design and fabrication teams to ensure the PDK’s alignment with fabrication capabilities and design requirements.

Training and Support: Provide technical support and training to the characterisation team and other departments, ensuring effective utilisation of the PDK in photonic circuit designs.

Industry Engagement: Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in PIC technology and design methodologies. Participate in and contribute to international, national, and public-funded projects.

Collaborative Projects: Participate in and contribute to international, national, and public-funded projects (e.g., HorizonEurope), including at the technical level, in grant writing and reporting.

Educational Background: An advanced degree (Master or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in integrated photonics, microwave photonics, or non-linear photonics, with at least 3 years of experience in an optical lab. Prior experience with wafer-scale probe stations, ideally automated probe stations like MPI or FormFactor, is needed.

Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of photonic component design, fabrication processes, and testing methods. Expertise in RF circuitries and RF measurement at ultra-high frequencies. Proficiency in Python coding and lab automation using Python is essential.

Analytical Skills: Experience with various analytic tools to analyse large experimental statistical data and a strong background in PDK development and maintenance within a PIC environment.

Leadership and Initiative: High initiative, independence, and analytical thinking. Ability to manage and grow a team, define processes, and take risks.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong reporting and documentation abilities. Fluency in English is required.

Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.

• 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.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package reflective of your experience and expertise.
• Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and be involved in leadership decisions.

We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment. Please send us your application at jobs@lightium.co. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.