Photonics Test Engineer

Salary & Benefits:             Competitive

Department:                      Future Systems

Reports to:                  Team Lead, Integrated Photonics / Photonics Processing Lead

Job Type:                            Full time

Location:                             Austin, TX, Hybrid

About us

ORCA Computing (“ORCA”) is at the forefront of a new era in high-performance computing, developing full-stack photonic quantum systems designed to transform how organisations tackle machine learning, generative AI, and complex optimisation challenges.  Headquartered in London, ORCA has delivered eleven on-premises quantum computers worldwide – demonstrating that its technology is not theoretical but already delivering real world results.

At the core of ORCA’s innovation is its hybrid quantum-classical architecture, engineered for seamless integration into existing AI and HPC infrastructure.  Its current PT-2 system, a rack-mounted quantum computer, connects directly to GPU clusters via NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q platform, enabling accelerated AI workloads with significantly lower energy consumption than traditional silicon-based systems.  Backed by a strong portfolio of patent families spanning photonic integrated circuits, quantum memory, and multiplexing technologies, ORCA is enabling enterprises, research institutions, and HPC operators to unlock new levels of performance, efficiency, and scalability.

As ORCA prepares to launch its next-generation PT-3 system, the company is entering a pivotal phase of growth and technological advancement.  Its solutions are already being embedded into generative AI pipelines, delivering measurable improvements in model performance, while also addressing the rising energy demands of large-scale AI adoption.  With a focus on practical deployment and a clear roadmap to fault-tolerant quantum computing, ORCA is leading the development and deployment of quantum technology, providing a commercially viable path to the future of computing.

 

What you will do

• Own test and characterization strategy across component- and chip-level photonic devices

• Design efficient screening processes to catch underperforming devices before costly post-processing steps

• Build and maintain test infrastructure, protocols, and data analysis pipelines

• Work closely with fabrication and design teams to diagnose and close gaps between target and actual performance

• Automate testing workflows to improve throughput, accuracy, and repeatability

• Analyze and report test data trends to inform design and process iterations

• Maintain clear documentation of test protocols and results for internal and partner use

What you will bring- required

• Industry experience in photonic or optical device test and characterization

• Experience designing and building test infrastructure and protocols from the ground up

• Strong data analysis skills and comfort working with large characterization datasets

• Ability to work cross-functionally with fabrication and design teams to resolve performance gaps

• Must be based in Austin, TX, with hybrid work flexibility

  Nice to have

• Master’s, or PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

• Hands-on experience with Si Photonics

• Scripting/automation experience for test workflow development

• Experience working in a cleanroom or semiconductor fabrication environment

Who we are looking for

• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively.

• Excellent communication skills, particularly in a commercial setting.

• Growth mindset, results driven.

• Enthusiasm for new technologies and interest in quantum computing.

Why join us

Joining ORCA Computing offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of quantum technology, where innovation is already delivering real-world impact. Across commercial, operational, and product roles, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to bring advanced quantum systems to market and help integrate quantum capabilities into modern AI and data centre ecosystems.

ORCA provides a rare chance to contribute to a pivotal moment in the evolution of computing. With a culture built on ownership, collaboration, and ambition, the company empowers individuals to solve complex challenges and shape how next-generation quantum technologies are developed, deployed, and scaled across industries – driving a more efficient and powerful future for AI and compute.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a brief introduction (one paragraph is fine!) to: careers@orcacomputing.com.