Test Technician (m/f/d) - Photonic Chip Characterization

Introduction

Your mission

The future of AI computing is light, not electrons.

At Q.ANT , we are building photonic processing systems that compute with light—delivering a scalable, energy-efficient alternative to transistor-based architectures for next-generation AI and high-performance computing.

About us

Who we are and what we do

Q.ANT is a deep-tech scale-up developing photonic processing solutions that compute natively with light and deliver a scalable alternative to transistor-based systems. The analog co-processors are optimised for complex computations and enable energy-efficient performance for next-generation AI and HPC applications. In collaboration with the Institute for Microelectronics Stuttgart IMS CHIPS, Q.ANT operates its own pilot line for photonic chips, based on the material system Thin-Film Lithium Niobate TFLN. Q.ANT was founded by Michael Förtsch in 2018 and is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.

Your tasks

Your Role

As a Test Technician for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) , you run electrical and optical measurements on our TFLN photonic chips and modules in a well-equipped lab. You follow established test procedures and work closely with senior experts and PIC engineers. Your work keeps our characterization reliable and on schedule as we scale from development to products.

What You Will Do

Perform electrical and optical characterization of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and modules using established test procedures

Operate advanced lab equipment such as tunable lasers, optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), vector network analyzers (VNA), high-speed oscilloscopes and RF probes

Look after the day-to-day lab environment so setups are available and measurements are accurate and reproducible

Document measurement results clearly and consistently, providing reliable data for design validation, root cause analysis and yield improvement

Deliver results on time so chip packaging slots can be filled as planned

Troubleshoot measurement setups together with senior team members

Follow lab safety standards and equipment handling protocols

Your profile

Completed vocational training or a B.Sc./Eng. in optoelectronics, telecommunications, physics, mechatronics or a related field (for example, Physiklaborant , Mikrotechnologe , Elektroniker or an engineering technician)

Steady hands and a careful approach to fine mechanics and sensitive equipment

A structured, reliable way of working that keeps quality high even on routine tasks

You stay focused and careful even when measurements repeat, because you know that every data point counts .

Very good English or very good German skills (the other language is a plus)

Nice to have:

First experience with photonic device characterization or optical measurement

Hands-on experience with optical fibers and lasers

Basic Python skills for measurement automation or data analysis

Familiarity with RF and optical measurement instruments

No prior professional experience is required. We'll train you on the job.

Why us?

Work on the leading edge: Photonic AI acceleration technologies that will define the next decade of computing - already validated in production HPC environments

Make impact at scale: Help solve one of computing's biggest challenges—making growing demand in compute and sustainability go hand in hand

Own your work from day one: Broad autonomy and decision authority with direct impact on product success and the future of AI infrastructure

Fast-track your growth: Work on challenges with few industry precedents—every problem you solve becomes new institutional knowledge and potentially industry-defining IP

World-class team: Collaborate alongside a passionate, international, cross-functional team of experts in photonics, processor design, and AI systems

Direct access to leadership: Work closely with the company's founders, including CEO Dr. Michael Förtsch, and advisory board members who shaped the semiconductor industry (ARM, Intel, Infineon)

Collaborative culture: Innovative work environment that values technical excellence, open communication, and pragmatic problem-solving

Be part of history: Join at the inflection point where photonic computing transitions from research to mainstream—your contributions will shape this transformation