Optical Reliability Engineer

Job summary

Lead the end-to-end reliability characterization and qualification of InP-based photonic devices such as lasers and modulators. Develop acceleration models and perform failure analysis to improve product robustness and drive corrective actions.

Job details

About Inpho Inpho is a fast-growing startup developing cutting-edge optoelectronic solutions for next-generation communications and photonic systems. Our multidisciplinary team is pushing the boundaries of innovation in integrated photonics and semiconductor packaging. Inpho’s new class of electro-photonic chips is poised to revolutionize the optical interconnect market by enabling lower cost architectures, improved price/performance, and next-generation high-speed interconnects. About the Role We are seeking an experienced Optical Reliability Engineer to lead the end-to-end reliability characterization and qualification of InP-based photonic devices including EMLs, lasers, modulators, and photodetectors. This hands-on role combines deep understanding of device physics, degradation mechanisms, accelerated reliability testing, and failure analysis to improve product robustness throughout development and production. You will work closely with Device Design, Epitaxy, Process Engineering, Packaging, Test, Failure Analysis, and external partners to understand failure mechanisms, define reliability strategies, and drive product improvements. Key Responsibilities Lead reliability characterization of lasers, EMLs, modulators, photodiodes, and PICs. Investigate optical degradation mechanisms and correlate performance degradation with device physics. Develop reliability screening methodologies for optical devices. Analyze degradation of threshold current, slope efficiency, optical power, responsivity, dark current, wavelength drift, extinction ratio, and other key optical parameters. Correlate reliability data with epitaxial growth, wafer processing, and packaging variables. Define reliability requirements during new product development. Reliability Strategy & Qualification Define reliability characterization plans for new optical device technologies. Determine appropriate stress conditions based on expected degradation mechanisms. Develop acceleration models for optical device lifetime prediction. Evaluate wear-out mechanisms for lasers, modulators, and photodetectors. Reliability Physics Understand degradation mechanisms in III-V semiconductor devices. Develop Arrhenius, Peck, Eyring, and current acceleration models. Perform lifetime extrapolation. Develop activation energy models. Evaluate optical performance degradation over life. Failure Analysis Integration Identify dominant failure mechanisms in III-V photonic devices. Correlate FA findings (FIB, TEM, SEM, EDX, OBIRCH, emission microscopy, etc.) with electrical and optical degradation. Develop physics-based hypotheses for failure mechanisms. Drive corrective actions with Design, Process Engineering, Packaging, and Suppliers. Data & Reporting Analyze qualification and stress data (trend analysis, degradation modeling). Maintain qualification matrices and stress coverage documentation. Prepare reliability summary reports for internal and customer use. Qualifications Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field. 3+ years of experience in semiconductor device or photonic device reliability engineering. Strong understanding of III-V semiconductor device physics, including lasers, EMLs, modulators, photodiodes, and PICs. Strong understanding of optical performance parameters including threshold current, slope efficiency, responsivity, dark current, optical power, wavelength, and extinction ratio. Experience with degradation mechanisms in InP-based photonic devices. Experience interpreting optical characterization data. Familiarity with epitaxial growth, wafer fabrication, and optical packaging. Experience with Telcordia GR-468 and/or JEDEC JESD47. Strong statistical analysis skills (Minitab, JMP, Python, Excel). Experience working with external labs and contract manufacturers. Strong cross-functional communication and technical decision-making ability. Preferred Experience Reliability of InP photonic integrated circuits. Reliability of lasers, EMLs, photodiodes, or silicon photonics. Experience with accelerated lifetime testing of optical devices. Familiarity with optical communications products. Startup or high-growth environment experience. Why Join Inpho? Be part of a mission-driven startup shaping the future of photonics. Competitive salary, full health benefits and equity packages, flexible work environment, and career growth opportunities. Come work with a dynamic, high-talent team to build and commercialize the highest performance photonics chips in the world! Additional Information This posting is for a newly created position. The expected compensation range for this position is CAD$125,000 - $170,000 annually. Actual compensation offered for this position will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s skills, level, experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role. Inpho may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support aspects of the recruitment process, including candidate screening and assessment. All final hiring decisions are made by Inpho’s Hiring Team. Inpho is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Inpho Human Resources at hr@inpho.io We thank all candidates for their interest in Inpho. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

What you’ll do

Lead the end-to-end reliability characterization and qualification of InP-based photonic devices such as lasers and modulators. Develop acceleration models and perform failure analysis to improve product robustness and drive corrective actions.

Requirements

Requires an advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science with over 3 years of experience in semiconductor or photonic device reliability. Must have deep knowledge of III-V device physics and proficiency in statistical analysis tools.

Benefits

• Health Benefits • Equity Packages • Flexible Work Environment • Career Growth Opportunities

Listed skills

• Microsoft Excel · Preferred
• Python · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Reliability Engineering
• III-V Semiconductor Physics
• Failure Analysis
• Accelerated Lifetime Testing
• Optical Characterization
• Degradation Modeling
• Statistical Analysis
• InP Photonic Devices
• Telcordia GR-468
• JEDEC JESD47
• Minitab
• JMP
• Python
• Excel
• Epitaxial Growth
• Optical Packaging

Job areas

• Engineering
• Science & Research
• Manufacturing
• Technology