Process Technician - Silicon Photonics R&D (M/F/D)

ADTRAN is seeking a Process Technician for Silicon Photonics R&D in Berlin, Germany. This role involves precision sub-assembly, operating bonding/attachment equipment, and assembling test fixtures. Key responsibilities include building and maintaining RF and opto-electronic test stations, calibrating performance, and running standardized tests for RFIC/PIC devices using various instruments. The technician will also support qualification and stress testing, follow safety protocols, and collaborate with engineers to improve workflows and documentation.

Must Have

• Perform precision sub-assembly work.
• Operate bonding/attachment equipment.
• Assemble and rework test fixtures.
• Build and maintain RF and opto-electronic test stations.
• Calibrate and verify station performance.
• Create and update station setup records.
• Run standardized test plans for RFIC/PIC devices.
• Use oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, AWGs, SMUs, optical power meters, laser sources, TIAs, and photonic probes.
• Capture clean datasets and troubleshoot setups.
• Support qualification and stress testing.
• Execute test sequences safely and maintain traceable logs.
• Follow ESD, clean handling, and safety protocols; maintain 5S standards.
• Prepare checklists, batch records; ensure materials and consumables are stocked.
• Collaborate with engineers to improve build/test workflows.
• Vocational training or associate degree in electronics, mechatronics, photonics, precision engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years in R&D or NPI lab supporting electronics or photonics.
• Strong bench skills: fine assembly, soldering, optical fiber handling/alignment, torqueing RF connectors, cable management.
• Proficiency with core instruments.
• Ability to read basic schematics, wiring diagrams, datasheets, and mechanical drawings.
• Solid documentation discipline; fluent in English for written records.

Good to Have

• Experience with epoxy dispense and cure profiles.
• Familiarity with PIC testing and fiber alignment.
• RF fixture/probe station experience.
• Reliability testing exposure (HTOL, damp heat, thermal cycling).
• Basic CAD for fixtures or 3D printing.
• Scripting for data capture (Python, SCPI) or LabVIEW experience.
• German language skills for local coordination.

Perks & Benefits

• Possibility to work in an international, multicultural environment
• Strong team-oriented and friendly work culture
• Flexible working hours model
• Internal training program
• Fitness-, travel cost- and kindergarten allowance
• Drinks and fruits for free
• Employee discounts e.g. for events and branded products

Welcome!

Our Growth is Creating Great Opportunities!

Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might interest you!

Thanks for your interest in working on our team!

Principle duties and essential functions

Prototype builds & assembly

• Perform precision sub‑assembly work: component prep, fiber attach, connectorization, and mechanical fixtures.
• Operate bonding/attachment equipment (e.g., epoxy dispense, UV/thermal cure).
• Assemble and rework test fixtures, jigs, and custom adapters (basic machining/3D printing an advantage).

Test station setup & maintenance

• Build and maintain RF and opto‑electronic test stations (RF cabling, terminations, attenuators, bias‑tees, probes, fiber routing, alignment stages).
• Calibrate and verify station performance (S‑parameter checks, optical power sanity checks, instrument self‑tests).
• Create and update station setup records, wiring diagrams, and calibration logs.

Device testing & characterization

• Run standardized test plans for RFIC/PIC devices (DC I‑V, RF S‑parameters, eye diagrams, BER, EVM, noise, optical insertion loss, return loss).
• Use oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, AWGs, SMUs, optical power meters, laser sources, TIAs, and photonic probes.
• Capture clean datasets, annotate conditions, and flag anomalies; perform first‑line troubleshooting of setups.

Reliability & environmental screening

• Support qualification and stress testing (e.g., HTOL, temperature/humidity cycling, thermal shock, vibration, mechanical shock, damp heat).
• Execute test sequences safely; conduct interim read‑outs and maintain traceable logs.

Process discipline & lab operations

• Follow ESD, clean handling, and safety protocols; maintain 5S standards across benches and storage.
• Prepare checklists, and batch records; ensure materials and consumables are stocked.
• Collaborate with engineers to improve build/test workflows; contribute to work instructions and other documents.

Knowledge, skills and experience required

Must‑have

• Vocational training or associate degree in electronics, mechatronics, photonics, precision engineering, or related field; or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• 2+ years in an R&D or NPI lab supporting electronics or photonics (prototype builds and test).
• Strong bench skills: fine assembly, soldering (SMT/THT), optical fiber handling/alignment, torqueing RF connectors, cable management.
• Proficiency with core instruments: DMM/SMU, oscilloscope, VNA, spectrum analyzer, AWG, power supplies, optical meters/sources.
• Ability to read basic schematics, wiring diagrams, datasheets, and mechanical drawings.
• Solid documentation discipline; fluent in English for written records.

Nice‑to‑have

• Experience with epoxy dispense and cure profiles.
• Familiarity with PIC testing (fiber alignment in V‑grooves, lens/lid fixtures, insertion/return loss, polarization handling).
• RF fixture/probe station experience (coax/precision adapters, microprobes, de‑embedding).
• Reliability testing exposure (HTOL, damp heat, thermal cycling; Telcordia/GR‑468 context is a plus).
• Basic CAD for fixtures (e.g., simple parts in SolidWorks/Fusion 360) or 3D printing.
• Scripting for data capture (Python, SCPI), or experience with LabVIEW.
• German language skills for local suppliers, HSE, and facilities coordination.

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail: Clean builds, correct torque/adhesives, accurate measurements.
• Problem solving: Methodical troubleshooting of setups and measurement artifacts.
• Collaboration: Clear communication with RF/PIC design, test, and manufacturing engineering.
• Organization: 5S mindset, careful labeling, parts/consumables management.
• Safety & compliance: ESD, laser safety, RF exposure awareness, chemical handling.

Benefits

• Possibility to work in an international, multicultural environment
• Strong team-oriented and friendly work culture
• Flexible working hours model
• Internal training program
• Fitness-, travel cost- and kindergarten allowance as well as drinks and fruits for free
• Employee discounts e. g. for events and branded products