PHOTONIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DESIGNERAs we develop the next generation of photonic integrated circuits for high-volume optical manufacturing, we are seeking a Photonic Integrated Circuit Designer to architect, simulate, and bring to production the core optical building blocks-modulators, filters, couplers, and more-across silicon photonics, III-V, and other platforms. You will work at the intersection of photonic design, RF engineering, and manufacturing, translating cutting-edge circuit concepts into production-ready components that perform reliably at scale.
RESPONSIBILITIES:- Design, analyze, and simulate Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) building blocks (e.g., Mach-Zehnder modulators, photodiodes, DWDM filters, waveguides, couplers/splitters, tapers, and switches) on silicon photonics and InGaAs/InP platforms
- Define requirements and specifications for PICs and their optical/electrical interfaces
- Design and model package-level optical interfaces, including edge and grating couplers
- Work with DSP, electro-optics, ASIC, and other engineering teams to define system functions across hardware and software
- Perform PIC routing and layout
- Measure and characterize PIC optical and electrical building blocks
- Develop and automate test solutions for lab validation, quality screening, and manufacturing metrology
- Partner with manufacturing and test teams on production test development and qualification of PICs
- Use simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, Klayout, COMSOL, HFSS) to support design and verification
- Contribute to RF, analog, and mixed-signal design efforts as needed
- Interface with suppliers to provide technical feedback and test requirements to develop reliable processes
QUALIFICATIONS:- Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, optical engineering, or applied physics
- 2+ years of experience in photonics or electro-optical IC design
- Hands-on familiarity with optical/RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, VNAs, VSGs, high-speed oscilloscopes, BERTs)
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:- PhD in electrical engineering, computer engineering (electro-optics emphasis), optical engineering, or applied physics
- Experience with electrical simulation tools (e.g., SPICE)
- Familiarity with DSP concepts (e.g., FFE, DFE, CTLE) and optical communications metrics (e.g., OSNR, receiver sensitivity, OMA, optical filtering)
- Strong circuit design and analysis skills across linear and non-linear blocks (e.g., modulator drivers, TIAs, CTLEs, filters, LNAs/PAs)
- Experience designing wideband circuits for >100 Gb/s SerDes links with bandwidths in the tens of GHz
- Familiarity with high-speed modulation formats and link protocols (e.g., NRZ, PAM4)
- Experience designing RF/DC probe-card PCBs
- Experience characterizing PIC/EIC performance for high-speed optical SerDes systems
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay range:
Photonic Integrated Circuit Designer: $160,000.00 - $190,000.00/per year
Title and base salary are determined on a case by case basis commensurate with experience and merit.
In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes:
- Eligibility for long-term incentives including company stock options and discretionary bonuses awarded for exceptional achievements.
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance with significant cost covered by the company for yourself and dependents.
- Paid parental leave and flexible PTO (3 weeks accrued vacation and 10 company holidays per year).
- 401(k) retirement plan access.
- Relocation assistance to sunny Los Angeles.
