Senior Engineer for Photonic Module Characterization

This role is enabling next generation analysis and characterizations of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) structures, photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and modules operating in the GHz regime. System-on-chip measurements and electrooptical characterizations for photonic-modules enable the development, integration and verification of essential building blocks for our core products and demos. This role is combined with responsibilities for PIC labs.

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver high-precision performance data 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.

Education: Master’s or PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field. Experience: ≥3 years in photonic device characterization, with ≥2 years in GHz-regime high-speed testing. Proven track record in setting up and optimizing optical & RF probe stations for PIC measurements. Experience mentoring or supervising students or junior engineers in lab environments. Technical Knowledge: Thin-film lithium niobate device physics and applications. SEM and microscopy techniques. High-speed optical modulation, detection, and RF signal integrity principles. Photodiode characterization principles. Measurement instrumentation (VNAs, high-speed oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, RF probes, tunable lasers). Calibration methods for optical and RF systems. Tools & Processes: Automation scripting (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB). Data acquisition systems and post-processing workflows. Familiarity with cleanroom processes and device fabrication steps. 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.