Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Characterization Operator

Perform optical and electrical characterizations of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This is the role for an operator performing high-quality characterizations for TFLN development and products with ability to implement development steps for advanced lab setups, including probe stations and test instrumentation. The engineer must ensure a full availability and interruption-free evaluation of PIC and PIC-modules.

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver high-precision performance data for PICs and optical modules enabling design validation, root cause analysis, and manufacturing yield improvement.
• Shorten design-to-validation cycle time through efficient setup automation and streamlined test methodologies.
• Enhance product performance and manufacturability by providing clear, data-driven recommendations to design and process teams.
• Oversee daily lab environment, ensuring high-quality, reproducible results.
• Ensure adherence to lab safety standards and equipment handling protocols.

Education: B.Sc. in optoelectronics, physics or a related field.
Experience: ≥1 years in photonic device characterization

Technical Knowledge:

• Optical fiber alignment and laser handling
• Python programming
• Automated probe stations
• RF probe handling and setups
• Thin-film lithium niobate devices
• Calibration methods for optical and RF systems
• Advantage: High-speed optical modulation, detection, and RF signal integrity principles
• Advantage: Measurement instrumentation (VNAs, high-speed oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, RF probes, tunable lasers)

Tools & Processes:

• Automation scripting (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB).
• Data acquisition systems and post-processing workflows.

Languages:Fluent in English; proficiency in German or another European language is a plus.

• Make growing demand in compute and sustainability go hand in hand
• Work on leading edge photonic AI acceleration technologies.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Own your work from day one and fast-track your professional growth.
• Work alongside a passionate, international, cross-functional team of experts.
• Collaborate closely with the company’s founders and core leadership team.

Who we are and what we do

Q.ANT is a deep-tech scale-up developing photonic processing solutions that compute natively with light and deliver a scalable alternative to transistor-based systems. The analog co-processors are optimised for complex computations and enable energy-efficient performance for next-generation AI and HPC applications. In collaboration with the Institute for Microelectronics Stuttgart IMS CHIPS, Q.ANT operates its own pilot line for photonic chips, based on the material system Thin-Film Lithium Niobate TFLN. Q.ANT was founded by Michael Förtsch in 2018 and is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.