Photonics Test Development Engineer
Aeva
Mountain View, CA, USA
USD 132k-179k / year + Equity
Posted on Jan 7, 2026
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 looking for a Photonics test development engineer to join our test development team!
What you'll be doing:
- Responsible for design, development, and qualification of test platforms used for internal validation and deployment in our manufacturing line.
- Develop and optimize alignment routines for lens and other optical components used in our integrated core sensing optical module.
- Work with external vendors to evaluate, specify, and procure advanced test platforms and burnin stations for photonics components such as lasers, detectors, and Silicon Photonics based Photonic integrated circuits (PIC)
- Design test fixtures and integrate with motion stages for custom PIC, laser, and subassembly test platforms.
- Perform system integration of instruments and optics for photonic test systems
- Run test system debug and GR&R tests for system qualification
- Prepare and maintain detailed design documents and BOM for test systems
What you'll have:
- MS or Ph.D. in Optical engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline
- Experience with optical alignment systems
- Experience in Silicon Photonics R&D, laser development, or related photonics product development
- Strong experience in Python coding for instrument control and station automation
Nice to have:
- Experience with SolidWorks for designing test fixtures for motion system integration, DUT socketing mechanical design and DUT thermal management
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!
132000 - 179000 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.