Head of PIC Characterisation (100%), Zürich, Switzerland

About TechBiz Global
TechBiz Global is a leading recruitment and software development company. Our diverse, globally distributed team provides IT recruitment, outstaffing, outsourcing, software development, and different consulting services with a primary focus on making our partners achieve their business goals successfully. With headquarters in Germany we have successful clients all over the world. We can understand your unique needs. Our team has hands-on experience with the challenges that come with rapid growth and the IT sector. That’s why all of our offerings are built with a tech mindset.

Position Summary

As the Head of PIC Characterisation, you will lead and manage the Characterisation Group, define testing strategies, and oversee complex metrology processes. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing testing protocols, ensuring our photonic components’ highest quality and performance. Your role involves hands-on testing, teaching and mentoring the team and fostering a collaborative environment. This position requires close collaboration with our multidisciplinary teams, including design, modelling, process development, and integration, to bring groundbreaking photonic solutions from concept to market.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership: Build, manage, and mentor the photonic characterisation team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

Testing Strategy: Define and implement comprehensive testing strategies for various passive, electro-optic, nonlinear, and active PIC components, especially for wafer-level testing of large sets of components.

Hands-On Testing: Conduct complex testing processes, including building and maintaining optical and RF experimental apparatus and setting up automation algorithms for automatic measurements in probe stations.

Data Analysis: Develop and incorporate machine learning algorithms to analyse large statistical measurement data and extract physical Process Design Kits (PDK) models.

Lab Management: Maintain the experimental lab up-to-date, including procuring new equipment and maintaining high safety and efficiency standards.

PDK Development: Collaborate closely with the design and fabrication teams to ensure the PDK’s alignment with fabrication capabilities and design requirements.

Training and Support: Provide technical support and training to the characterisation team and other departments, ensuring effective utilisation of the PDK in photonic circuit designs.

Industry Engagement: Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in PIC technology and design methodologies. Participate in and contribute to international, national, and public-funded projects.

Collaborative Projects: Participate in and contribute to international, national, and public-funded projects (e.g., HorizonEurope), including at the technical level, in grant writing and reporting.

What you’ll bring

Educational Background: An advanced degree (Master or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in integrated photonics, microwave photonics, or non-linear photonics, with at least 3 years of experience in an optical lab. Prior experience with wafer-scale probe stations, ideally automated probe stations like MPI or FormFactor, is needed.

Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of photonic component design, fabrication processes, and testing methods. Expertise in RF circuitries and RF measurement at ultra-high frequencies. Proficiency in Python coding and lab automation using Python is essential.

Analytical Skills: Experience with various analytic tools to analyse large experimental statistical data and a strong background in PDK development and maintenance within a PIC environment.

Leadership and Initiative: High initiative, independence, and analytical thinking. Ability to manage and grow a team, define processes, and take risks.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong reporting and documentation abilities. Fluency in English is required.

Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including employee stock option plan (ESOP), reflective of your experience and expertise.
• Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and be involved in leadership decisions.