Manager, Photonics Hardware Validation Engineering

The Engineering Manager, Photonics Hardware Validation owns the characterization, verification, validation, performance classification, and failure analysis of electro-optical subassemblies integrated with custom photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The primary focus of this role is the validation of single-photon sources and detectors, including the associated RF signal readout chain. This role leads validation strategy and execution from proof-of-concept test methodologies and early hardware bring-up through qualification and manufacturing readiness.

You will combine people leadership with strong technical oversight, partnering with photonics design, electrical, mechanical, packaging, firmware, software, systems, product engineering, and manufacturing teams to verify requirements, resolve hardware issues, and provide clear evidence of design and manufacturing readiness.

• Lead, hire, and grow a photonics hardware validation team; define technical ownership, priorities, staffing plans, and career development opportunities.
• Own comprehensive characterization, verification, and validation plans for photonic modules and electro-optical subassemblies, from initial hardware bring-up through qualification and manufacturing transfer.
• Establish repeatable measurement methods, calibration practices, uncertainty analysis, experimental designs, data-review processes, and configuration-controlled test documentation.
• Drive cross-functional debugging, failure analysis, and root-cause investigations; verify corrective actions and clearly communicate residual risks and recommended next steps.
• Review integrated optical, electrical, firmware, software, packaging, and thermal designs; identify critical measurements and influence design-for-testability and validation access.
• Translate system and component requirements into measurable acceptance criteria, requirements-to-test traceability, test coverage, and validation reports.
• Partner with operations teams to define test methods for production units.
• Manage validation schedules, laboratory capacity, equipment needs, and cross-functional dependencies; provide regular execution summaries, validation reports, yield indications, and readiness assessments to stakeholders.
• Promote safe laboratory practices and effective handling of lasers, optical equipment, RF instrumentation, and sensitive devices.

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