About the Team

Infleqtion is commercializing quantum technology-building deployable systems where photonics is the engine for performance, scale, and reliability. Our photonics team develops integrated photonics (PICs) and related optical subsystems that enable chip-scale laser sources, modulation, routing, and control for next-generation quantum products. We work closely with quantum system teams, and external foundry/assembly partners to turn ambitious optical performance targets into manufacturable hardware.

About the Role

Infleqtion is seeking a Senior Photonics Design, Layout & Modeling Engineer to design and deliver next-generation photonic integrated circuits and photonic subassemblies, with an emphasis on simulation-driven design, layout/verification, and rapid experimental feedback.

In this role, you will own portions of PIC design from concept through tapeout and test-translating system requirements into photonic building blocks (passives, couplers, resonators, filters, modulators, etc.), performing rigorous EM/photonic modeling, completing layout and verification, and partnering with the lab team to characterize devices and iterate quickly.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys working in a small, dynamic team environment, and has a passion for solving hard problems that lead to high-impact technological advances.

How you will drive impact

• Own and deliver high-performance photonic component designs and PIC layouts that meet aggressive specs (loss, bandwidth, phase stability, power handling, crosstalk, yield).
• Build simulation-to-layout workflows that accelerate design cycles (PDK integration, reusable parameterized cells, verification automation).
• Drive tapeout readiness: coordination, foundry alignment, mask submission deliverables, and post-tapeout debug loops.
• Close the loop with the lab: define test plans, review data, troubleshoot discrepancies, and translate measurements into actionable design improvements.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure PIC-level design choices support system-level performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status (required).
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• [4]+ years of relevant experience designing integrated photonics (Si, SiN, InP, or related platforms) with demonstrated taped-out designs or comparable project outcomes.
• Advanced proficiency in photonics simulation and modeling (e.g., EME, FDTD, FEM, BPM, eigenmode, circuit-level/Interconnect modeling) and comfort validating models against measurement.
• Hands-on experience with photonic layout and verification (PDK usage, hierarchy management, mask/tapeout deliverables).
• Proficiency with Python for design automation, analysis, and workflow tooling; comfort working with version control (Git).
• Practical experimental familiarity: common optical test equipment and techniques (fiber coupling/alignment, insertion loss, spectrum analysis, polarization handling, interferometric/phase-sensitive measurements, basic RF/optical modulation measurements).

It would be great if you also had these

• Multiple tapeouts at commercial foundries, including direct foundry interface and post-silicon debug.
• Experience with common photonics toolchains (e.g., Lumerical, Synopsys, COMSOL) and layout stacks (e.g., KLayout, gdsfactory).
• Experience designing PIC-based laser subsystems (hybrid/heterogeneous gain integration), micro-combs, narrow-linewidth sources, or frequency control photonics.
• Familiarity with photonic packaging constraints (edge/vertical coupling, alignment tolerances, thermal effects) and how they feed back into PIC design.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to work effectively with external partners (foundries, packaging, vendors).

Export Control / U.S. Person Requirement

This position involves access to export-controlled information and/or technology. To comply with U.S. Export Control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee).

Benefits

• Salary range: $140k to 190k/ per year
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
• Employer-funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) match
• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Savings Account
• Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Relocation Assistance