Coherent

Principal Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Coherent$130K — $155K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in silicon photonics, integrated photonics, or optical communication systems.
  • Proven expertise in PIC tapeouts and working with external foundries.
  • Deep understanding of photonic device physics and coherent optical systems.
  • Familiarity with photonic simulation tools and electromagnetic modeling.
  • Experience in RF and electro-optic modeling, photonic packaging, and fibre coupling.
  • Programming skills for automation and data analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Design, verify, and tape out silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
  • Develop passive and active photonic components for complex systems.
  • Create PIC layouts using design tools like Synopsys OptoCompiler and Cadence Virtuoso.
  • Perform various simulations using tools such as Lumerical and HFSS.
  • Conduct design-corner analysis and post-layout verification.
  • Develop compact models and system-level simulation workflows.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external foundries for silicon photonics projects.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge field of silicon photonics.
  • Collaboration with a diverse team of specialists.
  • Engagement in the complete product development lifecycle from concept to production.
  • Potential for mentorship and leadership opportunities.
  • Access to advanced simulation and design tools.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Senior Silicon Photonic Design Engineer is responsible for the design, simulation, and tapeout of advanced silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs) used in high-speed optical communication systems. This role involves developing passive and active photonic devices, integrating them into complex photonic systems such as coherent transmitters and receivers, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to take products from concept through production. The position requires deep expertise in photonic device physics, PIC layout and simulation tools, and experience working with external silicon photonics foundries.

Please note, this role is open to candidates in Ottawa, Canada.

What You'll Do
  • Design, verify and tape out silicon PICs, including integrated coherent transmitters and receivers.
  • Develop passive and active photonic components.
  • Create PIC layouts using Synopsys OptoCompiler and Cadence Virtuoso-based design flows.
  • Develop PCells and scripted layouts for scalable photonic circuit design.
  • Perform optical, electrical, RF and electro-optic simulations using tools such as Lumerical, CST, HFSS, Tidy3D and ADS.
  • Conduct design-corner analysis and post-layout verification.
  • Develop compact models and system-level simulation workflows.
  • Partner with external foundries across multiple silicon photonics platforms.
  • Collaborate with electronics, packaging, optical systems, test, reliability and manufacturing teams.
  • Support prototype validation, qualification and New Product Introduction.
  • Improve manufacturability, process robustness, yield and production performance.
  • Participate in design reviews and mentor junior engineers.

What You'll Bring
  • PhD or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics or a related field.
  • Five or more years of experience in silicon photonics, integrated photonics or optical communication systems.
  • Proven experience with PIC tapeouts, external foundries and photonic process design kits.
  • Strong knowledge of photonic device physics, PIC design and coherent optical systems.
  • Experience with photonic and electromagnetic simulation tools.
  • Knowledge of RF and electro-optic modelling, photonic packaging and fibre coupling.
  • Programming experience for simulation automation and data analysis.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving and collaboration skills.


_:empty]:hidden">

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.
Learn more about Coherent
Size
5,085 employees
Market Cap
$4.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$419.7 million
Founded
1966
5 Year Trend
+27.8%
Revenue
$1.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Coherent

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Principal Silicon Photonics Design Engineer jobs: