Photonics Characterization Intern (Silicon Photonics)

Location: Boston, MA, United States; flexible hybrid workplace model

Salary: $53–$65 per hour

Company

hirify.global develops photonic computing and interconnect technology for AI and high-performance computing data centers, including silicon photonics processors and optical components.

What you will do

• Participate in electro-optic testing and characterization of photonics chips and silicon photonics components.
• Test micro-rings, optical phase shifters, and Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
• Operate optical equipment including lasers, modulators, semiconductor optical amplifiers, PIN receivers, spectrum analyzers, vector analyzers, and optical filters.
• Use semiconductor test equipment such as vector network analyzers, source-meter units, arbitrary waveform generators, and high-speed oscilloscopes.
• Design and execute testing protocols for silicon photonics chips and subsystems.
• Develop automated testing and system interfaces using Python scripting.

Requirements

• Recent PhD graduate or current PhD candidate in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of silicon photonics and demonstrated experience in electro-optic component testing.
• Experience developing and implementing automated testing systems with Python scripting.
• Ability to translate test data into actionable strategies.
• Highly analytical and process-oriented approach, with the ability to work independently on complex technical problems in a laboratory environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to comply with federally mandated U.S. export control requirements.

Nice to have

• Microcontroller programming experience.
• Experience with high-speed instruments and communications.
• Understanding of vector network analyzers, optical links, high-speed PCBs, or microelectronics.
• Experience in a graduate-level photonics or electrical engineering laboratory.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn from the team.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible hybrid workplace model.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings matching, life insurance, disability coverage, and paid family leave.
• Vacation, sick leave, public holidays, commuter benefits, and training and development.
• Equity grants are applicable to full-time employees.
• Benefit eligibility may vary by employment status and location.