Photonics Test Development Engineer

Location: Rochester, NY Category: Engineering Job Type: Full-Time Posted On: Tue Aug 11 2026 Job Description:

Position Summary, Photonics Test Development Engineer

The position lies within Electronic Photonic Design and Automation (EPDA)/Design Enablement group based in Rochester, NY.

The role is for a hands-on individual contributor who will own and be responsible for test and measurement of photonic devices and circuits for internal and external customers. Since this position requires extensive interaction with customers, equipment vendors the engineer is expected to have very good communication and presentation skills. Prior experience working with customers and vendors is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Measure photonic devices and circuits using test equipment including BERT, AWG, Digital Signal Analysis for eye diagrams, RF and Optical Spectrum Analyzers, Real Time Oscilloscopes, Lasers, Optical Power meters, Polarization control, automated wafer and die prober, manual die prober.

• Develop new measurement setups based on customer requirements

• Extract and analyze key performance parameters for both active and passive photonic devices from measured data including waveguides, edge couplers, grating couplers, photodiodes, modulators, lasers, SOAs, detectors, etc.

• Prepare reports summarizing the analysis of the results.

• Provide the above support across multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining both project schedules and measurement dependability.

• Perform the above in both ordinary lab spaces as well as clean room facilities. Follow all cleanliness and safety requirements.

• Work with customers to scope measurement projects, and perform measurements in a timely manner.

• Work with test equipment vendors for periodic maintenance, resolving equipment issues and developing new testing methodologies

• Other reasonable duties as assigned

Essential Functions

40% of time - Measure devices and circuits for internal and external customers. Develop equipment drivers, automation scripts for measurements.

20% of time - Interact with test equipment vendors for maintenance, equipment issues and collaboration for new testing techniques

20% of time - Meet with customers to understand the scope of their projects and provide periodic updates

10% of time - Documentation, presentations, reports, and contribution to publications

10% of time - Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications, Photonics Test Development Engineer

• BS/MS/PhD with 3 - 10 years experience in a related technical area

• Experience measuring RF performance of electronic/photonics structures is a must including S-parameters, and eye-diagram measurements.

• Experience working in a lab environment is a must

• Experience developing drivers, and automation scripts for measurements and probers

• Experience analyzing data, developing scripts, using statistical tools for processing data

• Ability to work and collaborate with peers to improve efficiency and improve automated solutions

This position is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a background check; this position may require annual background checks.

Don't meet every requirement? At NY Creates we are dedicated to building a welcoming team. If you are excited about working for NY Creates but your experience doesn't exactly align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway, you might still be a perfect fit for this or another role.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental

• Competitive Pay and PTO

• Flexible Heath Spending and Dependent Care Accounts

• Basic / Optional Life Insurance

• Post-Retirement Health Insurance

• Employer contribution of 7% of earnings to a Basic Retirement plan after meeting one year of service.

• Optional employee contributed retirement account.

Location: 257 Fuller Road, Albany, NY 12203

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000

*Posted salary rates are determined upon experience and education

Additional Information:

NOTE: Some positions require access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, or restricted programs where U.S. Government authorization may be required.

For positions requiring such access, offers of employment are contingent upon the employer being able to obtain the necessary authorization, including, if required, an export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, or other government agencies. The decision to pursue an export license application is at The Research Foundation for SUNY's sole discretion. Proof of status may be required prior to employment in connection with necessary authorizations.

Employment is with the Research Foundation for SUNY. The Research Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply please call Human Resources at 518-437-8686.