Lightmatter

Laser Characterization, Temp

Mountain View, CA · Mid · Internship

Sponsorship not specified$57k-$65kDetected 5 days ago

PythonData AnalysisValuationElectrical EngineeringProblem Solving

About the role

Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress.
The company invented the world's first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.
Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion.

Perform hands-on characterization of semiconductor lasers, laser sources, and semiconductor optical amplifiers.
Perform wavelength and optical power stability measurements over time and across temperature.
Support RIN, SMSR, optical power, wavelength tuning, and stability measurements.
Develop Python-based automation scripts for instrument control, data collection, data processing, and measurement reporting.
Work closely with photonics, laser, packaging, and characterization teams to support laser and SOA bring-up, debug, and validation activities.

Currently enrolled in a PhD or advanced degree program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Photonics, Optics, or a related field.
Strong understanding of semiconductor lasers, laser physics, and basic semiconductor physics.
Familiarity with laser characterization concepts such as LIV curves, threshold current, slope efficiency, wall-plug efficiency, wavelength tuning, linewidth, RIN, SMSR, optical spectrum, and power stability.
Hands-on experience with optical lab measurements and optical test equipment.
Experience using optical instruments such as optical spectrum analyzers, optical power meters, current sources, temperature controllers, photodetectors, and optical filters.
Ability to work independently in a lab environment and communicate results clearly
Good understanding of semiconductor optical amplifiers, including optical gain, saturation power, noise, and wavelength-dependent behavior.
Exposure to Python scripting for instrument automation, data analysis, and visualization.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for debugging open-ended lab and measurement issues.
Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience characterizing DFB lasers, tunable lasers, laser diodes, or semiconductor optical amplifiers.
Experience with RIN, SMSR, linewidth, wavelength stability, or long-term optical power stability measurements.
Familiarity with fiber-optic alignment, polarization control, optical coupling, and optical loss budgeting.
Understanding of III-V semiconductor materials, laser diode operation, carrier dynamics, optical gain, and thermal effects in semiconductor lasers.
Experience preparing clear characterization reports, including plots, test conditions, measurement methodology, and conclusions.

Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Savings Matching Program
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Paid Family Leave
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Commuter Benefits
Equity grants (applicable to full-time employees)
Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
Flexible, hybrid workplace model
Benefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status and location.

We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!
If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.
Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!
As a Laser Characterization Intern, you will focus on the fundamental performance, physics, and characterization of the semiconductor laser sources that power our photonic computing architecture.
You will be responsible for executing State-of-the-Art (SOA) laser testing to ensure the highest levels of spectral purity and stability.

This listing is sourced directly from Lightmatter's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.