Photonics Test Engineer

Photonics test engineer

Start: January 2016

Duration: 6 months +

Location: Leuven (Belgium)

Language: English

Within the Life Science Technologies department, our group's research activities focus on the development of novel tools for health care applications. Current projects vary from lab-on-achip systems and PCR devices to neuroprobes and photonic sensing devices. Such technologies require a multidisciplinary approach within a team that has expertise in engineering, molecular biology, cell biology and surface chemistry. Especially for our work in new devices for point of care diagnostics, we are looking for an enthusiastic employee eager to shape tomorrow's health care technologies. We aim at research and development at the highest international level and with relevance for the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry.

Job description

As a photonics test engineer you will be working with application engineers in the life science technologies department, design engineers from the photonics design group and the technology department. Your main goal will be to verify the optical functionality of our optical sensing devices. The type of optical tests that need to be performed varies depending on the application and the device geometry. Hence this requires flexibility in working with different types of optical setups including Laser based measurement systems, microscopy systems and fiber-based systems. You will work with senior photonics and optical engineers to define the test protocol and required hardware configuration and then you will be responsible to execute the required measurements and generate reliable and statistically relevant data regarding photonic chip performance. Your data will support both the technology and design engineers.

Your primary tasks and responsibilities will include:

- Work with a senior scientist or engineer to perform detailed characterization of photonic chips, both on-die and wafer-level, involving free-space Laser measurement systems, microscopy systems and/or fiber-based measurement systems, in dry conditions or in combination with microfluidics.
- Characterize optical subcomponents and systems involving photonic chips and/or discrete optical elements
- Work with a senior scientist or engineer to adapt optical test stands when needed. This can include design of mechanical fixtures, selection of correct illumination sources, and replacement of cameras or other sensing hardware.
- Prepare reports summarizing data and work with application scientists to analyze the results.
- Collaborate with specialists from our cross-disciplinary design and technology teams;
- Work according to agreed customer timelines and report on progress internally and to customers.
- Manage time effectively according to aggressive project schedules.
- Quickly adapt to new project requirements.
- Work closely with an interdisciplinary team of engineers and biologists.

Your profile & skills

You have a Master degree in Industrial Engineering, Electronics, Photonics, Applied Physics or other equivalent discipline. An individual with a Bachelor's degree and several years of relevant experience will also be considered.

- Experience in hands-on optical and/or electrical characterization
- You have some programming skills. Understanding "Labview" is a plus
- You can use datasheets and manuals to modify laboratory setups to fit custom measurement needs
- As you will be working in a biolab you should be up to date with your vaccinations, including for Hepatitis B.
- You have experience working in a research or development environment with an interdisciplinary team.
- You are a team player.
- You are fluent in English and have excellent communication skills.

Michael Bailey International is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.