
Xscape Photonics develops photonic chips and scalable photonic solutions that deliver high-bandwidth, energy-efficient interconnects for AI, ML, and simulation hardware. The company implements photonics technology to replace or augment electrical links, enabling high-speed connections in high-performance computing systems and data centers. Its products target data center interconnect and HPC system architectures to improve bandwidth density and reduce power per bit. Xscape positions its solutions as cost-effective and scalable alternatives for customers deploying next-generation AI and simulation workloads.

Xscape Photonics develops photonic chips and scalable photonic solutions that deliver high-bandwidth, energy-efficient interconnects for AI, ML, and simulation hardware. The company implements photonics technology to replace or augment electrical links, enabling high-speed connections in high-performance computing systems and data centers. Its products target data center interconnect and HPC system architectures to improve bandwidth density and reduce power per bit. Xscape positions its solutions as cost-effective and scalable alternatives for customers deploying next-generation AI and simulation workloads.
Founded: 2022
Tech focus: Silicon photonics for AI/datacenter and HPC optical interconnects
Flagship platform: ChromX (multi-wavelength/on-chip lasers) and EagleX Laser Evaluation Kit
Headquarters: Fort Lee, NJ; Santa Clara, CA
Notable investors: IAG Capital Partners, NVIDIA, Cisco, Altair
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Datacenter and HPC interconnect bandwidth and power efficiency for AI and simulation hardware.
2022
Computer Hardware Manufacturing
44000000
Strategic participants included Cisco Investments and NVIDIA's venture arm
10000000
Altair invested $10M (company press announcement)
“Strategic and corporate venture participation from NVIDIA and Cisco; mix of industry and VC investors including IAG Capital Partners, Altair, Kyra Ventures, Fathom Fund, LifeX Ventures, and OUP”
Xscape Photonics is redefining how the world moves and processes information—at the speed of light.
We’re building next-generation photonic technologies that push the boundaries of performance, scalability, and efficiency for the most demanding compute and communication systems. By blending deep scientific innovation with real-world impact, Xscape is unlocking new possibilities across AI, data centers, and advanced optical systems.
With a world-class team of researchers, engineers, and industry leaders, Xscape is entering a powerful growth phase. This is a unique opportunity to help carry foundational photonic technology from the lab into large-scale deployment.
If you’re driven by hard problems, excited by first-principles thinking, and motivated by seeing your work shape the future, we’d love to meet you.
At Xscape Photonics, we’re not just building photonics—we’re engineering the future with light.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced PIC Test Manager with deep expertise in wafer-level
optical and electrical test for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). This role will own the
test strategy and execution across the full product lifecycle—from early silicon bring-
up through high-volume manufacturing (HVM).
The ideal candidate is a recognized technical authority in test architecture, PIC
Design-for-Test (DFT), yield learning, and factory scalability, with proven leadership
in driving robust wafer-level test solutions across multiple technology nodes and product
families.
Key Responsibilities
Wafer-Level Test Strategy & Architecture
Define and own the wafer-level PIC test roadmap across multiple product lines and technology platforms, all the way to high-volume manufacturing (HVM).
Architect scalable, high-throughput optical + electrical wafer probe solutions,
balancing alignment accuracy, probe stability, and test time.
Establish release criteria, guard-banding strategy, and wafer test coverage
models aligned with product requirements.
First Silicon Bring-Up & Test Content Development
Lead first-silicon bring-up efforts, including test content definition, limit setting,
and characterization flows.
Drive rapid yield-learning loops in partnership with design, process integration,
and fabrication teams.
Enable fast debug and iteration during early node transitions and new platform
ramps.
DFT & PDK Collaboration
Influence PIC Design-for-Test features and PDK structures to improve wafer-level
scalability, including:
o On-chip monitors
o Loopback paths
o Test waveguides
o Calibration structures
Partner with design teams to embed manufacturable test hooks early in the
development cycle.
Yield Ownership & Data-Driven Analysis
Own wafer-level yield, parametric distributions, and systematic defect learning.
Perform advanced spatial analytics using wafer maps and statistical methods to
separate random vs systematic process issues.
Lead root-cause investigations related to coupling variation, lithography bias, and
process drift.
Manufacturing Readiness & Factory Scale-Up
Establish golden wafer / golden die methodologies for production stability and
tool correlation.
Partner with foundries and OSATs to qualify wafer-level optical probe
infrastructure.
Drive successful transfer of test flows into volume manufacturing environments
with strong cross-tool correlation.
Technical Leadership & Team Development
Serve as the technical escalation point during yield crises and manufacturing
transitions.
Mentor and develop senior engineers, setting engineering standards and best
practices across wafer-level test programs.
Multiply organizational impact through scalable infrastructure, DFT influence, and
test standardization.
Qualifications
Required
10+ years of experience in PIC test engineering, wafer-level probing, or
photonics manufacturing test.
Proven ownership of wafer-level optical/electrical test strategy from R& D through
HVM.
Expertise in:
o Wafer-level optical probing
o Probe card qualification
o Yield learning and spatial analysis
o Test time optimization
o Foundry engagement and factory transfer
Preferred
Experience influencing PIC DFT and collaborating closely with PDK development
teams.
Strong background in high-volume semiconductor or photonics manufacturing
ecosystems.
Demonstrated leadership in scaling test infrastructure across multiple nodes and
product families.