Photonics Engineer

About the job

The ever growing technological advances in computing, communication, and sensing depend on photonics. PINC builds the transformative integrated photonic platform to address these needs and make that future possible. Our proprietary NanoPPLN photonic platform is based on pioneering advancements from the Nonlinear Photonics Laboratory at Caltech. PINC is an early-stage startup with venture backing from leading financial investors and major global photonics companies. We are growing quickly and looking for passionate, highly driven, and self-disciplined individuals to join us on this journey, who are excited to push the boundaries of Photonic technologies. This is an excellent opportunity for people who excel in a fast-paced environment, approach challenges with a “can-do” mindset, and work collaboratively to inspire others while helping to build a strong team around them and with them as we scale the company together.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Photonics Engineer (title may be adjusted to Senior or Staff Photonics Engineer for highly experienced candidates) to join our team in Pasadena and lead the characterization and performance validation of PINC’s integrated photonic circuit products, from prototypes to product-level validation.

This role is ideal for a technically rigorous experimentalist who thrives on designing, executing, and automating complex optical and electro-optic tests, and who takes pride in building, debugging, and optimizing test systems to deliver robust, repeatable performance.

The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in optics, photonics, and electronic test equipment and thrive in a fast-paced environment where experimental agility and engineering precision are equally valued. You will work closely with a highly interdisciplinary team of engineers, playing a central role in developing and executing the test methodologies that will accelerate the scalability and performance of PINC’s photonic platform.

Responsibilities

• Own and continuously improve chip-level and package-level optical and electro-optical testing, data acquisition, and automation workflows for PINC’s integrated photonic products
• Automate measurements and streamline data analysis pipelines to enable rapid prototyping and benchmarking
• Create and maintain detailed test plans, procedures, and documentation to evaluate product performance from prototype to validation and ensure timely execution.
• Characterize photonic components and systems, analyze test data, and prepare clear test reports for both internal teams and external customers
• Set up and operate a wide range of optical and electronic lab equipment (e.g. tunable lasers, power meters, OSAs, ESAs, autocorrelators, and high-speed oscilloscopes)
• Develop test software for measurement execution, instrument control, data analysis, and parameter extraction (Python and/or LabVIEW).
• Work closely with the team to improve the mechanical and optical robustness of test setups and packaged devices.
• Use CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) to design optomechanical assemblies for test setups and prototype packages.
• Perform basic PCB design and development to support test setups and measurement systems.
• Work with vendors to specify, evaluate, and procure test equipment.
• Stay current with the latest advances in Photonic Integrated Circuit testing

Requirements

• BS, MS, or PhD degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Photonics, or a related field, with demonstrated hands-on experience in experimental photonics. The scope of responsibilities will be aligned with the candidate’s background and experience.
• Hands-on experience in photonic integrated circuit testing and packaging
• Proficiency in Python and/or LabVIEW for lab automation, instrument control, and data processing.
• Proficiency in operating optical and electronic test equipment (e.g., lasers, OSAs, lock-in amplifiers, ESAs, autocorrelators, and high-speed oscilloscopes)
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) and basic PCB design tools.
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for collaborating in a fast-paced environment to build scalable test systems and procedures.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• 2+ years of experience in startup or early-stage R&D environments with rapid iteration cycles.
• Experience in experimental nonlinear optics and ultrafast laser systems
• Expertise in statistical data analysis, including basic statistical tests, designs of experiments, gauge repeatability, curve fitting, curve fitting, statistical process control, and machine learning methods.

Benefits

• Exceptional opportunities for professional growth and learning
• Stock option plan
• Competitive health care plan (Medical, dental & vision)
• Retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off (Vacation, sick & public holidays)
• Life insurance
• Short term and long term disability
• Company-sponsored team outings

Life in Pasadena

Our office is located in the heart of Pasadena, a world-class hub for science, technology, and entrepreneurship, with close ties to Caltech and Southern California’s broader innovation community, and access to vibrant neighborhoods, culture, dining, and outdoor activities, all within minutes of Los Angeles.