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Senior Manager, Photonics and PCBA Test Engineering

Aeva

Aeva

Quality Assurance
Mountain View, CA, USA
USD 181,100-245k / year + Equity
Posted on Dec 6, 2025
About us:
Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions.
Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced manager for the Photonics and PCBA Test Engineering team. Your team will be responsible for designing and deploying highly automated test stations used in Aeva’s manufacturing line, which includes silicon photonics & laser components and assemblies, optical modules and PCBAs. Additional responsibilities include development of aligners used in the manufacturing of the Lidar optical module. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in optics/photonics and automation for high volume manufacturing.

What you'll be doing:

  • Lead the test and automation engineering teams consisting of software development, hardware design and validation.
  • Lead the development of test stations and optical aligners for Aeva’s LiDAR manufacturing line, including hardware design, automation and integration with factory MES systems.
  • Influence the design of stations (DfT and DfM) for touch-free assembly in the manufacturing line. This involves driving collaborations with contract manufacturers and equipment vendors to integrate material handling systems and factory automation.
  • Drive DfT, design and development of PCBA test stations such as ICT and FCT used in our manufacturing line.
  • Develop the test strategy for the product, working cross-functionally with stakeholders such as the product design, manufacturing, and quality teams to determine test requirements and drive execution of associated projects.
  • Drive continuous improvement in the manufacturing process by analyzing manufacturing data to identify trends and identify root causes of failures.
  • Collaborate and influence the product development process and schedules, lead yield reporting and failure analysis process.

What you'll have:

  • Master’s or PhD degree in optical engineering or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in test and automation engineering, with at least 5 years in mid-level management roles.
  • Experience in developing custom stations for test and assembly that have been deployed in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
  • Strong experience in Python, C++ and Labview programming, and agile management of software teams.
  • Experience working in optics and/or photonics product development.
  • Experience with PCBA test and design for test for ICT and FCT.
  • Experience working with industrial robots and handling systems.
  • Previous experience in leading and managing teams, fostering collaboration, and driving results.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex technical issues and provide effective solutions.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously

What's in it for you:

  • Be part of an early start-up that's backed by industry-leading venture capitalists
  • Very competitive compensation and meaningful equity!
  • Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more!
  • 401k matching
  • Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards
  • Paid lunches, ping pong tournaments, and fun team off-sites!

181100 - 245000 USD a year

Salary pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges are subject to change in the future.
Depending on the position offered, equity, bonus, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, pre-tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.