At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and optimise wafer-level photonic testing systems using Python and LabVIEW.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge tech company at the forefront of AI hardware development.
- Benefits: Access to advanced equipment, collaborative teams, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for travel and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of AI systems and photonics technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in semiconductor or photonics testing, strong Python skills, and hands-on engineering mindset.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Manufacturing Wafer Level Test Engineer to join our Manufacturing team and play a critical role in developing and operating our wafer-level photonics testing capability. This role will sit at the intersection of photonics, semiconductor testing, automation, and production engineering, helping us transition from development into scalable manufacturing.
You will take ownership of operating, maintaining, and scaling our Wafer Level Test (WLT) capability, including automated optical and opto-electrical measurements across photonic wafers. You will work closely with internal engineering teams and external manufacturing partners to ensure high integrity testing data, robust test protocols, and high throughput execution. This is a highly hands-on engineering role suited to someone comfortable working across software, hardware, photonics, and semiconductor manufacturing environments. You will be expected to troubleshoot complex systems, improve automation workflows, and help establish repeatable production test methodologies.
What you’ll be doing:
- Operate, maintain, and optimise wafer-level photonic testing systems
- Develop and automate optical and opto-electrical test sequences using Python and LabVIEW
- Configure and synchronise metrology hardware including lasers, SMUs, power meters, and fibre alignment systems
- Build scalable test workflows capable of supporting high throughput wafer testing
- Develop reliable fibre-to-chip alignment procedures with low variance and repeatable measurement quality
- Perform optical and opto-electrical characterisation across photonic devices
- Analyse measurement data and troubleshoot hardware or software issues independently
- Create and maintain version-controlled test protocols and documentation
- Work closely with suppliers and external vendors to transfer internal test recipes into manufacturing environments
- Support correlation studies between internal and external testing results
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Photonics, and Reliability teams to support production readiness
What we’re looking for:
- Industry experience within semiconductor, photonics, or advanced hardware testing environments
- Strong Python programming skills for hardware control, automation, or data analysis
- Experience using LabVIEW or similar test automation environments
- Hands-on experience working with photonic or semiconductor test equipment
- Strong understanding of optics, lasers, fibre alignment, and photonic measurements
- Experience with automated test systems and metrology hardware
- Comfortable working in laboratory environments on a frequent basis
- Strong troubleshooting mindset with a practical, hands-on approach to engineering
- Ability to communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
Even better if you have:
- Experience with wafer-level photonic testing
- Familiarity with semiconductor device physics and opto-electrical measurements
- Experience analysing diode behaviour and IV curves
- Understanding of GDS files and photonic layouts
- Experience working with optical fibres and fibre-to-chip alignment systems
- Exposure to production or manufacturing test environments
- Version control experience using GitHub or similar tooling
- Ability and willingness to travel to Asia, USA and EU
We are open to candidates from Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science, or related technical disciplines. You will join a deeply technical team building foundational infrastructure for the future of AI systems. This is an opportunity to work on genuinely challenging problems across photonics, semiconductors, and manufacturing, with direct influence on how advanced AI hardware is built and scaled. You will also have access to cutting-edge equipment, collaborative engineering teams, and the chance to help shape manufacturing capability from the ground up.
Test Development Engineer in Abingdon employer: Salience Labs
As a Test Development Engineer, you will thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment that prioritises collaboration and technical excellence. Our company offers a supportive work culture with ample opportunities for professional growth, access to cutting-edge technology, and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in AI hardware. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a unique blend of hands-on engineering challenges and the opportunity to work alongside industry experts, making it an exceptional place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Development Engineer in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the semiconductor and photonics industries on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Python, LabVIEW, or any hands-on testing you've done. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table beyond just your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your troubleshooting skills. Practice explaining your thought process when solving complex problems, especially those related to photonic measurements or semiconductor testing. We want to see how you think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our cutting-edge projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Test Development Engineer in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your hands-on experience with photonic or semiconductor testing, and don’t forget to mention your Python programming skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about wafer-level testing and how your background fits into our team. Be specific about your experience with automation and troubleshooting – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your technical expertise. Mention any experience with LabVIEW, metrology hardware, or optical measurements. We want to see what makes you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salience Labs
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of photonics, semiconductor testing, and the specific tools mentioned in the job description, like Python and LabVIEW. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies will show that you're not just familiar with them, but that you can actually apply them in a practical setting.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to face questions that assess your troubleshooting skills. Think of specific examples where you've solved complex issues in a lab or manufacturing environment. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you approached the problem, as this will demonstrate your practical, hands-on engineering mindset.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams and external partners, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative projects. Highlight instances where you effectively communicated with stakeholders or contributed to team success, as this will illustrate your ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions about the company’s current projects or future goals in wafer-level testing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career aspirations. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
