Characterization Lead

Our client is a technology-oriented company developing advanced photonic technologies and high-performance optical sub-assemblies for data communications and telecommunications applications. The organization specializes in sophisticated laser-based solutions, combining optical engineering, semiconductor technologies, and advanced characterization methodologies to deliver highly accurate and reliable products for demanding communication systems.

Its activities rely on close collaboration between multidisciplinary teams specializing in photonics, electronics, mechanical engineering, thermal design, firmware, and manufacturing. The company operates in a technology-intensive, growth-driven environment, with a strong focus on technical innovation, product performance, and industrial scalability. Professionals benefit from significant technical ownership, autonomy, and the opportunity to contribute to advanced photonic products throughout their development and industrialization lifecycle.

Mission

The Characterization Lead will be responsible for the architecture, development, validation, and industrial deployment of the calibration framework for advanced tunable laser systems. The role focuses on developing multivariate models, experimental methodologies, and automated characterization processes to ensure accurate optical frequency and power control. Acting as the technical reference for laser calibration, the position combines system identification, signal processing, Python-based automation, and cross-functional engineering coordination to deliver robust and scalable calibration solutions suitable for volume manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Calibration Framework Development and Automation

• Own the architecture, development, implementation, and validation of the automated calibration framework for tunable laser systems.
• Develop and maintain Python-based software for instrument control, automated measurements, calibration execution, and experimental data processing.
• Drive calibration framework maturity from engineering development through validation and release into manufacturing operations.

System Identification and Laser Characterization

• Design and implement multivariate mathematical models to characterize laser behavior and predict accurate operating setpoints.
• Apply parameter estimation, signal processing, filtering, and classification techniques to experimental characterization data.
• Design and execute experiments to identify static and dynamic system behavior, including optical, electronic, and thermal interactions.

Calibration Validation and Performance Optimization

• Develop verification methodologies to assess the accuracy, repeatability, and stability of predicted laser operating setpoints.
• Evaluate optical device performance after calibration, ensuring compliance with functional and performance requirements.
• Investigate calibration deviations, analyze measurement results, and optimize algorithms to improve robustness and manufacturing consistency.

Cross-Functional Integration and Industrial Transfer

• Collaborate with optical, electronic, mechanical, thermal, and firmware engineering teams to ensure correct system behavior during and after calibration.
• Coordinate calibration development activities, technical milestones, and integration with broader product development and industrialization roadmaps.
• Lead technical documentation, stakeholder reporting, and knowledge transfer to manufacturing operations to support reliable calibration deployment.

Required Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in System Identification, Data Science, Telecommunications Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Demonstrable experience developing multivariate system calibration methodologies for high-accuracy technological products.
• Advanced knowledge of experimental design, parameter estimation, mathematical modeling, and system identification.
• Strong understanding of signal processing, filtering, and classification techniques applied to experimental measurements.
• Proven proficiency in Python development for scientific data analysis, instrument control, and calibration automation.
• Solid general physics knowledge and the ability to understand complex interactions across multidisciplinary engineering domains.
• Strong analytical, technical documentation, reporting, and communication skills, with the ability to independently lead complex development activities.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with semiconductor laser physics, tunable laser characterization, and optical measurement equipment.
• Practical experience with image processing techniques applied to system characterization and calibration.
• Experience identifying dynamic systems and developing advanced predictive models for complex physical processes.
• Previous involvement in transferring automated calibration systems into volume manufacturing, preferably within photonics, semiconductor, or other high-precision technology environments.