Photonics Specialist
Viavi Solutions · Singapore
Summary:
VIAVI Solutions is seeking a highly creative and hands-on Photonics Specialist to join the CTO Innovation Center in Singapore. This role involves leading fast prototyping and validation of next-generation solutions in optical, photonic, AI-assisted, and high-speed connectivity test technologies, and collaborating with global R&D teams to define the future of test & measurement. Key innovation domains include silicon photonics, co-packaged optics (CPO), DCI/optical interconnects, all-photonic networks, 6G-ready optical test architectures, and AI-automated intelligent test solutions.Duties & Responsibilities:
Job Description:
VIAVI Solutions is seeking a highly creative and hands-on Photonics Specialist to join the CTO Innovation Center in Singapore. This role involves leading fast prototyping and validation of next-generation solutions in optical, photonic, AI-assisted, and high-speed connectivity test technologies, and collaborating with global R&D teams to define the future of test & measurement. Key innovation domains include silicon photonics, co-packaged optics (CPO), DCI/optical interconnects, all-photonic networks, 6G-ready optical test architectures, and AI-automated intelligent test solutions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Rapid Photonic Prototyping
- Lead the optical communication technology including designing and building prototypes for test solutions for silicon photonics, CPO, optical transceivers, DCI testing, and next-generation photonic test platforms.
- Conduct feasibility studies, system bring-up, optical characterization, and performance validation.
2. AI-Automated Test Development
- Lead the development of AI-assisted testing workflows for photonic and high-speed optical systems.
- Build intelligent test routines using machine learning for calibration, optimization, anomaly detection, and root-cause analysis.
- Explore autonomous test benches, reinforcement-learning-based test strategies, or digital-twin-driven optical test automation.
- Prototype AI-driven decision engines that accelerate test throughput and improve measurement accuracy.
3. System Architecture & Concept Innovation
- Lead the future test architectures definition that combines photonics, software, and AI automation.
- Investigate new measurement techniques, optical front-ends, and integrated AI signal processing.
- Translate early-stage concepts into recommendations for product roadmaps and R&D planning.
4. Collaboration & External Engagement
- Work closely with global VIAVI R&D teams to transition successful prototypes to product development.
- Support internal demos, technology showcases, and cross-organization innovation initiatives.
- Thought leadership with engagement in related photonics standardization bodies and forums
Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
Qualifications
Required
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Physics, Computer Engineering, or related fields.
- Knowledge of high-speed optical transmission (100G/400G/800G/1.6T) and advanced modulation formats.
- Strong hands-on skills with optical instruments (OSA, BERT, AWG, DSO, optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, etc.).
- Experience with silicon photonics, optical transceivers, DCI systems, CPO, or photonic component testing.
- Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis, automation, and prototyping.
- Familiarity with machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn) for basic AI prototyping.
- Strong experimental mindset and passion for fast iterative prototyping.
- Good communicator, willing to travel
Preferred
- Experience building automated test systems, AI-assisted measurement workflows, or optical digital twins.
- Background in photonic packaging, alignment automation, or high-precision optical setups.
- Experience developing ML models for classification, optimization, anomaly detection, or reinforcement learning for control systems.
- Experience working in innovation labs or early-stage technology concepting roles.