PhD or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, Optics, or related field.
Significant experience in integrated photonics or silicon photonics design and development.
Experience designing high-speed electro-optic devices and associated RF structures.
Proficiency with electromagnetic and RF simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS).
Familiarity with photonic simulation and design tools (e.g., Lumerical, Tidy3D, RSoft).
Experience designing WDM components or wavelength-selective photonic circuits.
Experience with PIC designs through layout and tapeout using foundry PDKs.
Responsibilities
Develop new photonic device and PIC concepts for optical interconnects.
Design and optimize high-speed photonic components for advanced communication systems.
Analyze interactions between photonic devices and electrical/RF interfaces.
Create WDM building blocks and architectures for wavelength-selective components.
Translate system-level requirements into photonic device specifications.
Evaluate design tradeoffs in bandwidth, optical loss, and manufacturability.
Use simulation tools to model and optimize device performance.
Benefits
Hybrid working environment with flexibility.
Opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
Engagement with cutting-edge technologies in optical communications.
Supportive team culture with regular interaction and collaboration.
Potential for occasional travel to off-site meetings.
Full Job Description
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Develop new photonic device and PIC concepts for next-generation optical interconnects and high-speed communication systems.
Design and optimize high-speed photonic components and subsystems, with applications targeting technologies such as 400G-per-lane links and co-packaged optics.
Work on the interaction between photonic devices and their electrical/RF interfaces, including high-speed modulators, photodetectors, transmission lines, electrodes, and interconnects.
Develop WDM building blocks and architectures, including wavelength filters, multiplexers/demultiplexers, resonant devices, and other wavelength-selective components.
Translate system-level requirements into practical photonic device and circuit specifications.
Evaluate design tradeoffs involving bandwidth, optical loss, power consumption, footprint, manufacturability, and scalability.
Use optical, electromagnetic, and RF simulation tools to model and optimize device performance.
Develop and tape out complex PICs using foundry PDKs and established silicon photonics design flows.
Work with foundry and fabrication teams to understand process limitations and incorporate manufacturing considerations into device designs.
Support experimental characterization and use measurement results to improve future designs.
Collaborate with electrical and packaging engineers on advanced optical-electrical integration and packaging challenges.
Contribute to the development of new design methodologies, simulation workflows, and reusable photonic building blocks.
Help identify and explore new device concepts and technologies that can enable future generations of optical interconnects.
Education & Experience
PhD or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, Optics, or a related field.
Significant experience in integrated photonics or silicon photonics design and development.
Experience designing high-speed electro-optic devices and their associated RF structures.
Experience with electromagnetic and RF simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, ADS, or similar.
Experience with photonic simulation and design tools such as Lumerical, Tidy3D, RSoft, or equivalent.
Experience designing WDM components or wavelength-selective photonic circuits.
Experience taking PIC designs through layout and tapeout using foundry PDKs.
Skills
Strong understanding of photonic device physics and PIC design.
Good understanding of RF and electromagnetic effects in high-speed photonic devices, including transmission lines, impedance matching, parasitics, and bandwidth limitations.
Familiarity with advanced optical communication architectures and the technology challenges associated with scaling data rates and integration density.
Programming experience in Python or similar languages for simulation, automation, or data analysis.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work across device, circuit, and system-level challenges.
Nice to have
Experience with co-packaged optics or advanced optical interconnect architectures.
Experience developing technologies targeting 400G-per-lane or other ultra-high-speed optical links.
Understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes and how process variations impact photonic device performance.
Experience working directly with photonic foundries or process development teams.
Experience with high-speed optical packaging and electrical-photonic integration.
Experience developing new technologies from early concept through prototype demonstration and product development.
Working Conditions
This position is hybrid
May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive's needs
Physical Requirements
Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
About Coherent
Coherent, Inc. is a global leader in providing laser-based solutions to a broad range of commercial and scientific research customers. The company designs, manufactures, and markets lasers, laser-based systems, precision optics, and related accessories for a diverse group of customers. Coherent's markets include scientific research, OEM components and instrumentation, microelectronics, materials processing, and life sciences. The company's products are used in a wide range of applications. Coherent was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
