Manager, Testing - Integrated Photonics

We are looking for a Manager within the Integrated Photonics team, a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex problems. As our Manager of the Testing Team, you will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision by leading the crucial characterization of our cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and optical components. Your expertise will directly impact the quality and performance of fundamental building blocks of our quantum computers.

In this highly impactful role, you will spearhead the team responsible for the meticulous testing of a diverse array of photonic elements, including waveguides, splitters, photodetectors, and modulators. This encompasses a wide spectrum of measurements, from standard optical loss assessments to sophisticated high-speed characterization at both the chip and packaged component levels. You will be instrumental in defining and implementing precise measurement procedures, driving automation initiatives, and strategically procuring the necessary equipment to ensure timely and reliable feedback on critical components destined for integration into our quantum processors.

Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams of designers, engineers, and physicists, you will be at the forefront of defining metrology requirements, pioneering innovative testing techniques, and proposing dedicated test structures. Your ability to synthesize complex measured data through rigorous statistical analysis and translate these insights into clear recommendations will directly influence critical device selection decisions, which you will confidently present to diverse audiences. You will champion the development and adoption of standardized metrology procedures and be a key driver in the advancement of metrology automation, significantly enhancing our efficiency, performance, and throughput. This role offers a unique opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the design team, shaping both the development of novel photonic devices and their seamless integration into our groundbreaking quantum systems.

Responsibilities:

• Architect and establish comprehensive metrology stations, both manual and automated, for the diverse portfolio of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) produced by the Integrated Photonics team, encompassing both passive and active optical elements.
• Ensure the unwavering functionality and accuracy of all testing stations, guaranteeing they meet stringent requirements for characterizing critical features across a spectrum of devices, wavelengths, and operational settings. 
• Plan, request, and secure the necessary lab space to accommodate current and future testing demands, including specialized requirements like laser curtains and cleanroom environments, and proactively communicate future resource needs, including equipment procurement.
• Orchestrate and prioritize the team's metrology workload, providing clear visibility into ongoing testing progress and proactively guiding priorities based on overarching program and company objectives.
• Critically analyze, synthesize, and present measured results in clear and concise summaries for in-depth technical discussions and impactful presentations to cross-functional teams, directly informing key program decisions and updates.
• Forge strong partnerships with design and systems teams to collaboratively define robust metrology requirements, innovative testing procedures, and effective test structures organized in libraries, proactively addressing limitations, assumptions, and tolerances to deliver optimal solutions.
• Expertly manage external vendors to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality custom components and materials that precisely meet program specifications, and strategically evaluate and propose outsourcing models for metrology activities where beneficial.
• Collaborate effectively with the procurement team to establish favorable terms for recurring purchases and strategic framework agreements.
• Innovatively design and efficiently procure essential components, specialized tools, critical fixtures, and necessary materials for the comprehensive characterization, rigorous testing, and thorough validation of both metrology stations and advanced optical integrated circuits or components.
• Conduct hands-on measurements with precision and expertise as required to overcome challenges and ensure project success.
• Develop, finalize, and communicate clear and realistic project timelines, identifying key milestones, potential risks, and definitive completion dates.
• Proactively conduct thorough risk analyses and develop robust mitigation plans to guarantee the on-time release and successful delivery of all project deliverables.
• Thoroughly document the functionality and operational procedures of all testing setups; standardize and document the entire PIC metrology workflow.
• Invest in the growth of our team by effectively training junior team members to excel in their testing responsibilities, acting as a dedicated mentor to foster their technical competence, strategic prioritization skills, and embodiment of company values.
  
  

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Masters or higher in Engineering or relevant field/discipline
• 10+ years of hands-on testing of a variety optical elements, ideally including photonic integrated circuits; relevant experience in a similar field will also be considered
• 5+ years working in a fast-paced new product introduction (NPI) team to deliver novel products
• 5+ years management experience in a lab environment with multiple stations and requirements in parallel
• Expertise in identifying and implementing a wide range of optoelectronic metrology techniques.
• Significant hands-on experience working with laboratory automation hardware (microcontrollers, motorized stages/positioners, sensors, etc.) coupled with strong programming experience in Python and other relevant engineering programming languages
• Hands-on experience with lab automation
• Practical experience with CAD tools for mechanical design (Solidworks PDM preferred)
• Strong understanding of product development lifecycle concepts, experience managing accelerated timelines, coordinating multiple parallel testing campaigns, and effectively navigating conflicting priorities and resource constraints
• Demonstrated experience with data aggregation, insightful statistical analysis, and the creation of clear and concise reports
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. 

You’d be a great fit with:

• 15+ years experience in setting up, qualifying, and running multiple testing stations for opto-electronic devices, ideally for photonic integrated circuits
• 15+ years experience in selecting and managing external vendors for optical testing
• Comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge of advanced optical calibration techniques, cutting-edge optical metrology principles, high-speed measurement methodologies, and the development of sophisticated test set-up automation systems.

Location: This role is based onsite at our headquarters in College Park, MD.
Travel: Occasional travel, less than 10%.
Job ID:  1020

The approximate base salary range for this position is $123,191 - $161,289.