Job Description

About Inpho

Inpho is a fast-growing startup, focused on 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 and disrupt the optical interconnect market. Utilizing this new class of chips enables existing optical interconnect systems to be built at much lower cost, new architectures to be deployed that provide significantly higher price/performance, and a whole new generation of higher speed interconnect to be built that to date have been impossible.

About the Role

We're looking for a hands-on

Director of Product and Test Engineering

to join our NPI Engineering team. Reporting to the VP Engineering, New Product Development, this central and strategic role will be responsible to lead and directly contribute to the productization of our next-generation electro-optical semiconductor products. At Inpho, we're building a new class of high-performance ICs, and this role is critical in bridging design with test and manufacturing as we scale from prototypes to volume production.

This is not a pure management position -- we're looking for a technical leader who can both architect strategy and individually execute key engineering tasks across ATE test development, product characterization, yield analysis, and DFT implementation. You'll be directly responsible for defining and developing the infrastructure and processes needed to support high-quality, high-volume manufacturing, while also mentoring and managing a small, high-impact team.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Technical Strategy - 40%

Invent innovative test strategies to effectively and efficiently test innovative IC products which push speeds well beyond the capabilities of available test technologies. Define and evolve the product and test engineering roadmap, including NPI processes, test infrastructure, and scaling strategies. Manage and mentor a small team of product and test engineers -- helping them grow while maintaining technical depth. Lead cross-functional alignment across design, quality, operations, and external suppliers (OSATs, foundries, test development partners). Establish best practices for validation coverage, yield monitoring, GR&R, and test limit guardbanding.

Hands-on Engineering Execution - 40%

Architect and develop ATE test solutions for high-speed analog and electro-optical ICs. Support design of high-signal-integrity test hardware (probe cards, load boards). Plan and perform device characterization across PVT corners; analyze data to optimize test coverage and yield. Work directly with design teams to implement DFT strategies and influence testability from early stages. Analyze large volumes of lab and ATE data using tools like JMP, Python, or MATLAB to drive yield, quality, and performance improvements. Support failure analysis, debug test escapes, and drive root-cause corrective actions across the product lifecycle.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Manufacturing Support - 15%

Working with quality, enhance the NPI process from tape-out through high-volume production ramp, ensuring manufacturability, quality, and cost targets are met. Interface with OSATs to support test hardware deployment, yield ramp, and correlation with bench results. Provide ongoing support for sustaining engineering -- yield excursions, RMAs, PCNs, EOL, and lifecycle extensions.

Process & Infrastructure Development - 5%

Build test automation scripts, data pipelines, and statistical monitoring systems. Contribute to internal documentation, validation plans, test plans, and debug playbooks. Establish scalable processes for test and product engineering to support growth.

Qualifications

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or related field. (Ph.D. is a plus.) 10+ years of experience in mixed-signal/analog/high-speed IC test and/or product engineering roles. 5+ years of experience in a leadership role. Demonstrated ability to both manage and individually contribute in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments. Ability to think strategically, challenge the status quo, and innovate and engineer advanced solutions. Deep experience with ATE platforms (Teradyne, Advantest, etc.) and test development. Solid understanding of IC device physics, analog behavior, DFT, and test coverage methodologies. Comfortable operating across lab, bench, ATE, and statistical domains. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and fast-paced environment.

Preferred Experience

Experience with optoelectronic components, TIA/Laser drivers, or high-speed SerDes. Familiarity with signal integrity and S-parameter analysis. Strong programming and data analysis skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, JMP). Prior startup or early-stage company experience. Proven ability to scale test infrastructure and processes from scratch.

Why Join Inpho?

Be part of a mission-driven startup shaping the future of photonics. Collaborate with top researchers and engineers in a dynamic, innovation-driven environment. Contribute to building a lab from the ground up and influencing technical infrastructure. Competitive salary and equity packages, flexible work environment, and career growth opportunities.
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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $150,000.00-$225,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking Paid time off
Education:

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Work Location: In person