Metrology & Test Manager

About Ephos Ephos is building vertically integrated, advanced packaging solutions on glass panels. We transform raw glass into electronic and optically active substrates for die-to-die connectivity, manufactured entirely within our own facilities. Our systems are built for companies developing AI accelerators, including hyperscalers and top-tier chip designers. We have already delivered products to leading global firms, and we are currently building a new fabrication facility to scale production by 100x. This expansion is backed by a $50M EU CHIPS Act grant—the first ever awarded to a startup. The role As Metrology & Test Manager at Ephos, you will build and own the test and metrology operation of our new manufacturing facility. Your job is to turn that into a production-grade, 24/7 characterization and qualification flow that can handle Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) at volume. You will set up the test stations, routines, data infrastructure and qualification standards that decide whether a chip ships. This role sits between R&D, process engineering and quality. You will work closely with the photonics, manufacturing and product teams to make sure every chip leaving our line is measured, traceable and meets spec. Your responsibilities
• Define and deploy automated, high-throughput test routines for 24/7 optical characterization of PICs (insertion/coupling loss, polarization-dependent loss, spectral response, mode field analysis).
• Set up and own optical metrology for dimensional and visual inspection, including optical microscopy, automated defect inspection and surface/edge quality assessment.
• Develop and maintain chip qualification and acceptance procedures, including pass/fail criteria, reliability testing and alignment with relevant industry standards (e.g., Telcordia GR-468 / GR-1221, IEC).
• Transfer R&D characterization methods into robust, repeatable production processes, with gauge R&R, calibration and measurement uncertainty analysis.
• Specify, procure and commission test and metrology equipment (automated probe/alignment stations, optical sources and power meters, OSAs, microscopes and vision systems).
• Build the test data pipeline: automated data capture, traceability, statistical process control (SPC) and yield dashboards that feed back into design and process improvement.
• Lead and grow a team of test engineers and technicians, including shift organization for continuous operation.
• Work with process and photonics engineering to find root causes of yield loss and drive corrective actions. The candidate we are looking for
• MSc or PhD in Photonics, Physics, Optical Engineering or a related field, with 5+ years of experience in PIC or optoelectronic component test and characterization in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Proven track record of setting up or scaling automated substrate
- or chip-level optical test in production, ideally in a high-mix or ramp-up environment.
• Hands-on expertise in PIC characterization (insertion/coupling loss, PDL, spectral measurements, active alignment) and in optical metrology (microscopy, vision-based inspection, dimensional measurement).
• Solid knowledge of qualification and reliability testing for photonic components, and of quality methods such as SPC, MSA/gauge R&R, FMEA and yield analysis.
• Strong test automation and data skills (Python, instrument control, databases/MES integration).
• Experience leading technical teams and managing test operations with high uptime requirements.
• Experience with glass-integrated photonics or femtosecond laser writing is a plus.
• Can commit to full-time on-site presence at our manufacturing facility; due to the nature of the role we will not consider remote applicants.
• Ephos is a demanding environment. We operate with exceptional ambition and move fast, because the market gives us no other option. We expect excellence from you, as we do from one another. This environment offers unmatched opportunities to learn, build, and grow, but it also requires significant commitment.

What we offer
• Top of the market salary.
• Stock options; granted at this stage, they can become extremely valuable.
• An exceptional opportunity for growth. The hiring process
• Interview with our Photonics Team Lead.
• Interview with our CTO.
• Interview with our VP of Manufacturing.
• Interview with our CEO. If you're interested in this opportunity, please send your CV to careers@ephos.io, with the role name in the subject line.