Head of Pic Characterisation

**Job Title: Head of PIC Characterisation**

**Location**: Zürich, Switzerland

**Position Summary**:
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of PIC Characterisation to lead our metrology strategies and manage our characterisation team. This role requires hands-on experience, leadership skills, and a strategic mindset to drive testing processes and support our mission to advance information and communication technologies. As the Head of PIC Characterisation, you will oversee complex metrology processes, develop and implement testing protocols, and ensure the highest quality and performance of our photonic components.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **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 passive, electro-optic, nonlinear, and active PIC components, focusing on 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 integrate machine learning algorithms to analyze large statistical measurement data and extract physical Process Design Kits (PDK) models.
- **Lab Management**: Maintain the experimental lab, procure new equipment, and uphold high safety and efficiency standards.
- **PDK Development**: Collaborate with design and fabrication teams to ensure PDK alignment with fabrication capabilities and design requirements.
- **Training and Support**: Provide technical support and training to the characterisation team and other departments for effective PDK utilization in photonic circuit designs.
- **Industry Engagement**: Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in PIC technology, participate in international and public-funded projects, and contribute to grant writing and reporting.

**What You’ll Bring**:

- **Educational Background**: Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field.
- **Experience**: Minimum 5 years in integrated photonics, microwave photonics, or non-linear photonics, with at least 3 years in an optical lab. Experience with wafer-scale probe stations, ideally automated systems like MPI or FormFactor, is required.
- **Technical Skills**: Strong knowledge of photonic component design, fabrication processes, and testing methods. Expertise in RF circuitries and measurement at ultra-high frequencies. Proficiency in Python coding and lab automation using Python is essential.
- **Analytical Skills**: Experience with analytic tools for large experimental data and a background in PDK development and maintenance within a PIC environment.
- **Leadership and Initiative**: High initiative, independence, and analytical thinking. Proven ability to manage and grow a team, define processes, and take calculated 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.

**What We Offer**:

- A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
- A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will influence the future of telecommunications and beyond.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP), reflective of your experience and expertise.
- The chance to become a key player in an early-phase startup, joining a motivated and energetic team with the opportunity to shape and lead strategic decisions.

**Job Type**: 100%

**Education**:

- Doctorate (preferred)