Senior PIC Characterization Engineer - TFLN / High-Speed (f/m/d)

Stuttgart

Full-time

Permanent employee

Your mission

The future of AI computing builds on light. Q.ANT is building photonic processing systems that compute with light - a scalable, energy-efficient alternative to transistor-based architectures for next-generation AI and HPC. Built on a thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform operating in the GHz regime, Q.ANT’s photonic integrated circuits sit at the heart of this technology.

You will drive the photonic and electrical characterization of TFLN PICs in the GHz regime - defining lab setups, developing measurement routines, and turning fabricated devices into validated, production-ready hardware. Beyond characterization, you will contribute to the photodiode-PIC integration lifecycle and mentor junior engineers building Q.ANT’s lab capability.

What You Will Do

Characterization & measurement

Design and execute high-speed (GHz-regime) characterization routines for TFLN PICs and photodiodes; perform experimental verification and statistical analysis to extract key performance parameters
Define, design, build, and develop optical and RF test setups - including probe-station configuration, calibration, routines, and continuous optimization
Develop Python, LabVIEW, and MATLAB tools for measurement automation, data acquisition, and analysis

Integration & roadmap

Contribute to the full photodiode-PIC hybrid integration lifecycle - from concept and design coordination through assembly, validation, and packaging
Feed performance insights back to design and manufacturing; propose new components and optimization strategies for the technology and product roadmap

Coordination & leadership

Schedule and prioritize characterization campaigns in line with project milestones and R&D priorities; coordinate external suppliers, service providers, and research partners
Mentor and guide junior engineers and technicians in device testing, data acquisition, and analysis
Ensure adherence to lab safety standards and equipment-handling protocols, and maintain rigorous documentation of methods, code, and results

Your profile

Education & experience

Ph.D. or Master’s degree in electrical engineering, photonics, or a related field
5+ years of directly relevant experience in industry or research, including at least 1 year in GHz-regime high-speed photonic device testing

Technical expertise

Deep understanding of LNOI (lithium niobate on insulator) device physics and applications, including high-speed modulation, detection, and RF signal integrity; hands-on TFLN experience is a strong plus
Proven experience in photodiode characterization and hybrid photonic-electronic integration
Strong hands-on experience with high-speed instrumentation: VNAs, high-speed oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, RF probes, and tunable lasers, including calibration methods for optical and RF systems
Solid programming skills in Python required for measurement automation and data analysis, LabVIEW and MATLAB skills are advantageous
Practical experience in PIC testing, optical and RF probe-station measurements, optical alignment, and optoelectronic system bring-up

Ways of working

Experience mentoring or supervising junior engineers in lab environments
Strong communicator who coordinates effectively across cross-functional teams and external partners, and influences technical direction without formal authority
Structured, problem-solving mindset with ownership of experimental outcomes
Fluent English skills are a must; German is beneficial

Why us?

Make impact at scale: Your verification and integration work directly determines which PIC technologies are production-ready - high stakes, high impact from day one
Work on the leading edge: Photonic integrated circuit technologies that are shaping the next decade of computing
Own your work from day one: Shape characterization strategies, integration workflows, and roadmap inputs on your own, with direct impact on product success
Fast-track your growth: Work on challenges with few industry precedents - every problem you solve becomes new institutional knowledge and potentially industry-defining IP
World-class team: Collaborate alongside a passionate, international, cross-functional team of experts in photonics, electronics, and packaging
Direct access to leadership: Work closely with the company's founders, including CEO Dr. Michael Förtsch, and the Q.ANT senior leadership team
Collaborative culture: Innovative work environment that values technical excellence, open communication, and pragmatic problem-solving
Be part of history: Join at the inflection point where photonic computing transitions from research to mainstream - your contributions will shape this transformation

We are looking for a hands-on engineer who gets energized by turning fabricated PIC components into validated hardware, coordinating across teams and partners, and directly shaping next-generation photonic technology.

Ready to push the boundaries of what photonic integrated circuits can do? We are looking forward to receiving your application!

Q.ANT is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Über uns

Wer wir sind und was wir tun

Q.ANT ist ein High-Tech-Startup, das photonische Quantentechnologien vorantreibt und industrialisiert, und dadurch die Grenzen zu neuen Anwendungsfeldern und Prozessen verschiebt. Das Unternehmen wurde 2018 gegründet und ist Teil der TRUMPF Gruppe. Q.ANT entwickelt Quantensensoren und photonische Chips und Prozessoren für das Quantencomputing auf der Grundlage seines Quantum Photonic Framework. Mit Fokus auf seinen vier Produktlinien – Quantencomputing, Partikel-Metrologie, Atomare Gyroskope und Magnetomtrie – arbeitet das Unternehmen mit einer Vielzahl von Industrien und Partnern zusammen, die von Medizintechnik und autonomen Fahrzeugen bis hin zu Luft- und Raumfahrt, Maschinenbau und der Prozessindustrie reichen. Q.ANT beschäftigt mehr als 90 Mitarbeiter an seinem Standort in Stuttgart/Süddeutschland.