Job Title: Photonic Test Engineer
Company: Inpho
Location: Ottawa, ON
Job Type: Full-Time, On Site
Reports to: Senior Principal Optical Engineer
About Inpho
Inpho is a fast-growing startup, focused on developing cutting-edge optoelectronic solutions for next-generation communications, and photonic systems. Our multidisciplinary team is pushing the boundaries of innovation in integrated photonics and semiconductor packaging.
Inpho’s new class of monolithically integrated electro-photonic chips is poised to revolutionize and disrupt the optical interconnect market. Utilizing this new class of chips enables existing optical interconnect systems to be built at much lower cost; new architectures to be deployed that provide significantly higher price/performance; and a whole new generation of higher speed interconnect to be built that to date have been impossible.
About the Role
We are seeking a Photonic Test Engineer who is a disciplined doer and a natural problem solver in the lab. You will drive the hands-on execution of our device testing, from initial bench setup to final data collection. This role is built for someone who loves being "in the weeds" with hardware, troubleshooting physical setups, and ensuring every measurement is precise. As a vital team player, you will provide the reliable data our design team needs to move at high velocity. Success in this role means delivering reliable, repeatable test data and maintaining stable, high-throughput lab operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute & Troubleshoot: Set up, calibrate, and maintain lab benches for LIV, EAM sweeps, and spectral analysis; proactively solve hardware connectivity or alignment issues.
- Automate: Develop and maintain Python scripts (PyVISA/Pandas) for automated instrument control to increase lab throughput.
- Test Discipline: Execute standardized and custom test plans with high attention to detail, ensuring repeatability across various InP PIC devices.
- Data Visualization: Process and visualize raw test data, providing the team with clear, actionable results.
- Collaborate: Work cross-functionally to support senior engineers and keep the lab running as an efficient, collaborative engine.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- Years of Experience: 2–5 years of hands-on experience in a lab environment.
- Technical Knowledge: Basic understanding of semiconductor device operation (lasers, modulators, detectors) and fiber optics.
- Specific Experience: Proficiency in Python for automation and experience with bench-top instruments (SourceMeters, OSAs, Power Meters).
Soft Skills:
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment, independently and as part of a team
- High level attention to detail, strong analytical skills and coachability
- Exceptional leadership, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
- Strong cross-functional communication and technical decision-making ability
Preferred Additional Experience
- Experience working in a startup environment
- Experience working in a high-tech hardware design and manufacturing company
Why Join Inpho?
- Be part of a mission-driven startup shaping the future of photonics.
- Competitive salary, full health benefits and equity packages, flexible work environment, and career growth opportunities.
Come work with a dynamic, high-talent team to build and commercialize the highest performance photonics chips in the world!
Pay: $65,000.00-$100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Stock options
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
