Photonics Validation Engineer

About Lyte Lyte builds perception systems for Physical AI operating in complex environments. The company combines custom silicon, integrated sensors, and software into a unified platform for robotics, mobility, and next-generation automation. Lyte is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with a global presence. For more information, visit www.lyte.ai

If you’re excited about building impactful technology in a dynamic, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you! About The Role

• We are seeking a highly motivated Photonics Validation Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for validating photonics sub-systems and packaged opto-electronic modules — building test infrastructure from the ground up and driving failure analysis from component level through module level. This position requires hands-on expertise in optical and electro-optic testing, strong troubleshooting instincts, and the ability to work closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team. Experience with EIC control, firmware/FPGA/ASIC-based test environments, coherent communications, and data analysis is essential. Background in free space optics, micro-optics, packaging, and III-V semiconductor physics is a plus. You will work alongside a world-class, cross-functional team in a fast-paced and rapidly growing environment.

What You'll Do

• Build test benches and automated test setups from scratch for photonics systems, components, and packaged opto-electronic devices
• Design, execute, and refine test plans and validation methodologies across wafer, chip, eval board, and sub-module levels
• Perform spectrum analysis, noise analysis and FFT-based signal analysis
• Validate coherent communication systems and modules (e.g., coherent receivers, DSP-linked subsystems)
• Perform failure analysis efforts — root-causing device and system failures across optical, electrical, and firmware layers, and driving corrective actions
• Perform passive optical testing (insertion loss, return loss, wavelength response, etc.)
• Troubleshoot and debug test setups and design issues, identifying and resolving challenges
• Analyze and visualize test data to characterize device performance and identify trends or deviations
• Interface with EIC controls, firmware, and embedded software during test bring-up
• Collaborate with FPGA/ASIC teams to support test automation, debug, and validation workflows
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (design, packaging, manufacturing, product) to drive issues from detection to resolution
• Document test procedures, results, and failure analyses; communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders
• Support the transition of test methodologies from R&D into high-volume manufacturing

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or a related field; a Master's or Ph.D. is welcome but not required
• 3–7 years of relevant industry or applied research experience in photonics validation, optical testing, or opto-electronic systems
• Hands-on experience testing photonic or opto-electronic components, subsystems, or packaged modules
• Experience building test benches, fixtures, or automated test setups from the ground up
• Strong failure-analysis and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to isolate root causes across optical, electrical, and firmware domains
• Hands-on experience with optical and electrical lab equipment, including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and optical power meters
• Proficiency in data analysis, automation, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
• Working knowledge of coherent optical communication principles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience interfacing with EIC controls, firmware, or embedded software during test bring-up
• Experience with FPGA- or ASIC-based test environments and validation workflows
• Experience with spectrum, noise, or FFT-based signal analysis
• Background in free-space optics, micro-optics, photonics packaging, or III-V semiconductor physics
• Experience transitioning test methodologies from R&D into manufacturing or high-volume production

Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)

• Competitive salary and equity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible vacation and time-off policy
• Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a highly cross-functional team

The Pay Range For This Role Is 170,000 - 250,000 USD per year(Bay Area, CA)