NVIDIA Corporation

Principal Photonics IC Design Engineer

NVIDIA Corporation$232K — $368K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or closely related field with focus on integrated photonics or silicon photonics.
  • 8+ years of experience in photonics IC design, with a trajectory towards technical leadership roles.
  • Hands-on expertise with Cadence design environment, particularly in photonic IC layout and simulation.
  • Proven history of managing production tapeouts, driving PICs from design through GDS signoff.
  • Strong grasp of photonic device physics, including components like waveguides and modulators.
  • Demonstrated leadership in project scope setting, architecture trade-offs, and cross-team coordination.

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end PIC product delivery from architecture to silicon validation on advanced platforms.
  • Lead cross-functional teams across photonic devices, analog/mixed-signal design, and packaging.
  • Manage tapeout schedules, specify design milestones, and solve critical path issues in concurrent PIC programs.
  • Design optical transceiver PICs that integrate modulators, photodetectors, and other critical components for high-speed applications.
  • Enhance PIC design methodology and automation using Cadence and related EDA tools.
  • Mentor and guide photonics design team, establishing the technical direction for the PIC roadmap.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to shape the future of AI supercomputers with cutting-edge technology.
  • Work within a leading company in the silicon photonics field.
  • Possibility to contribute to advanced packaging and co-packaged optics innovations.
  • Engagement with cross-disciplinary teams and leading industry experts.
  • Access to equity and comprehensive benefits.
Full Job Description
NVIDIA's Mixed-Signal Design (MSD) Photonics team is building the next generation of co-packaged optical interconnects to power the world's most advanced AI supercomputers. We are looking for a Principal Photonics IC Design Engineer to serve as the technical lead owning our photonics integrated circuit (PIC) product - from architecture definition through production tapeout and silicon validation.

What you will be doing:
  • Own end-to-end PIC product delivery: architecture, design, layout, DRC/LVS verification, tapeout, and post-silicon validation on advanced silicon photonics platforms
  • Lead cross-functional execution across photonic device, analog/mixed-signal, packaging, and systems teams
  • Drive tapeout schedules, define design milestones, and resolve critical path issues across multiple concurrent PIC programs
  • Architect optical transceiver PICs integrating modulators, photodetectors, wavelength multiplexing, waveguides, and optical couplers for high-speed and/or DWDM applications
  • Define and improve PIC design methodology, automation (e.g., scripted DRC, parameterized cells), and verification flows in Cadence and related EDA tools
  • Mentor and technically guide a team of photonics designers; set technical direction for the photonics PIC roadmap


What We Need to See:
  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field with emphasis on integrated photonics, silicon photonics, or photonic device physics (or equivalent experience).
  • 8+ years of industry experience in photonics IC design, with demonstrated progression into technical leadership roles
  • Deep hands-on expertise with Cadence design environment (Virtuoso, PCell development, SKILL scripting) for photonic IC layout and simulation
  • Proven track record of production tapeouts - you have personally driven PICs from design through GDS signoff on a foundry silicon photonics process
  • Strong understanding of photonic device physics: waveguides, passive/active components, ring/MZI modulators, photodetectors, optical couplers
  • Demonstrated technical leadership: setting project scope, making architecture tradeoffs, driving cross-team alignment, and delivering on schedule


Ways to Stand Out From the Crowd:
  • Experience with high-speed (>50 Gbaud) optical modulator or receiver PIC design for datacom/telecom applications
  • Experience with DWDM PIC architectures (MUX/DEMUX, multi-channel transceivers, wavelength tuning)
  • Familiarity with co-packaged optics (CPO) system requirements and advance packaging integration
  • Experience with photonic circuit simulation and CAD tools (Ansys Lumerical, ZeMax, Cadence, MATLAB, Python and Verilog-A) and electromagnetic solvers (FDTD, FDE, EME)
  • Track record of publications and/or patents in silicon photonics


Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 232,000 USD - 368,000 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 16, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

About NVIDIA Corporation

Nvidia, a global leader in graphics, gaming, and AI technology, offers Nvidia careers and internship opportunities for those passionate about driving innovation in the tech industry. you'll find a company committed to growth, teamwork, and leadership in computer science and machine learning domains.

About Nvidia

A Pioneer in Technology and Innovation

Nvidia has cemented its reputation as a powerhouse in developing advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) and has significantly contributed to the gaming industry's evolution. Moreover, its foray into AI and machine learning has opened new frontiers in technology, making Nvidia a beacon of innovation and a desirable workplace for ambitious tech professionals.

Job Opportunities

Diverse Positions in a Dynamic Field

Nvidia is continuously on the lookout for talented individuals across various domains, including hardware and software engineering, product design, marketing, and sales. Employment opportunities at Nvidia are vast, catering to a wide range of expertise and career aspirations.

Employment in Hardware and Graphics

For those fascinated by the intricacies of hardware and graphics technology, Nvidia offers positions that sit at the forefront of gaming and computing advancements.

Growth in Machine Learning and AI

Nvidia's leadership in AI and machine learning has created numerous vacancies for specialists eager to contribute to groundbreaking projects.

Recruitment in Computer Science

With the constant demand for innovation, Nvidia's recruitment efforts focus on computer science experts capable of pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Internship Program

Opening Doors to Future Innovators

Nvidia's internship program is designed to nurture the next generation of technology leaders, offering hands-on experience in a culture that celebrates creativity and teamwork.

Benefits and Culture

Interns at Nvidia enjoy a plethora of benefits, from competitive stipends to mentorship opportunities, all within an environment that values growth and learning.

Opportunities for Students

Whether you're an undergraduate, a master's student, or a Ph.D. candidate, Nvidia's internships provide a real-world glimpse into the tech industry, offering valuable experience in various technology fields.

Pathways to Full-Time Employment

Many interns have transitioned into full-time positions, marking the start of successful careers at Nvidia. The internship program is more than a stepping stone into the company; it’s an investment in the professional development of interns. The goal is to ensure that interns are well-equipped for future challenges.

Nvidia Careers: More Than Just a Job

Nvidia offers more than just a job to its employees; it provides a front-row seat on the journey into the future of technology. Nvidia stands as a pillar of innovation with its vast opportunities in hardware, graphics, gaming, machine learning, and computer science. Nvidia careers serve as a launching pad for talented workers who aim to redefine the technological landscape. Whether through full-time positions or internships, joining Nvidia means contributing to a legacy of breakthroughs and becoming part of a global community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Learn more about NVIDIA Corporation
Size
22,473 employees
Market Cap
$350.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4.3 billion
Founded
1993
5 Year Trend
+31.3%
Revenue
$16.6 billion
NASDAQ

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