Principal Test & Characterization Engineer — Advanced Photonic and Semiconductor Systems

Modern intelligent systems increasingly depend on advanced semiconductor and photonic technologies that require entirely new approaches to characterization measurement automation and experimental analysis.

We are looking for a Senior Test & Characterization Engineer to develop and operate advanced experimental platforms for next-generation device technologies. This role combines hands-on laboratory work automated measurement infrastructure large-scale data analysis and AI-assisted characterization workflows.

You will build the systems that transform experimental devices into actionable engineering insight.

What youll be doing:

• Develop and operate advanced electrical optical and electro-optical characterization platforms.
• Design and build experimental setups including optics motion systems thermal control RF instrumentation imaging systems and automated data acquisition.
• Automate complex measurement flows using Python and modern software infrastructure.
• Perform detailed device characterization analysis and correlation across wafer-level and packaged-device measurements.
• Develop scalable data-analysis pipelines and visualization frameworks.
• Apply AI/ML techniques to large experimental datasets for anomaly detection trend analysis classification and predictive insights.
• Collaborate closely with process device packaging and modeling teams to close the loop between design fabrication and characterization.
• Drive measurement reproducibility calibration reliability and lab infrastructure improvements.
• Build internal tools and frameworks that improve engineering productivity and experimental throughput.

Qualifications :

What we need to see:

• BS MS or PhD in Physics Electrical Engineering Photonics Applied Physics or related field.
• 5 years of hands-on experimental characterization experience.
• Strong laboratory skills with optics instrumentation automation and measurement systems.
• Strong Python programming and data-analysis capability.
• Experience with automated test systems and instrument control.
• Strong debugging mindset and experimental rigor.
• Ability to work across hardware software and data-driven engineering environments.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Experience with advanced optical or semiconductor device characterization.
• AI/ML experience applied to experimental datasets.
• High-speed measurement or RF instrumentation experience.
• Experience building custom laboratory infrastructure from the ground up.
• Strong data visualization and analytics capabilities.
• Experience scaling automated measurement platforms in R&D environments.

Additional Information :

#LI-BN1

WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees our company our customers and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging respect and contribution.

WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at  to advise us of your accommodation your email please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email .

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time