Sr. Staff Engineer, Photonics DesignLocation: San Jose (on-site)
We're looking for a Sr. Staff Engineer to own the photonic device layer of that solution. You will define what our components need to achieve, determine what's physically achievable from leading-edge processes, and drive the device roadmap from simulation through high-volume manufacturing. This is a role for someone who thrives on hard, under-specified problems - where the right answer isn't in the literature and the process isn't quite doing what you need it to do.
You'll engage directly with partners across the Taiwan semiconductor ecosystem - not just designing to the PDK you're given, but influencing what that process can achieve. And you'll shape the design and analysis infrastructure your team depends on: the simulation automation, layout flows, and verification frameworks are yours to architect, not inherit.
What You'll Own- Device roadmap. Own the device roadmap for integrated photonic components: set performance targets, assess process feasibility, and drive development from simulation through production.
- Foundry partnership. Engage directly with the Taiwan semiconductor ecosystem to push process capability in service of product requirements - not just consuming the PDK, but influencing what it does.
- Design infrastructure. Architect and extend the team's design and analysis tools: simulation automation, layout flows, verification frameworks, and custom code the broader team depends on.
- Debug and yield. Lead device-level debug, failure analysis, and yield investigation across development and production runs.
- Cross-functional co-design. Drive component performance in close collaboration with system, laser, packaging, firmware, and circuit design teams - the device layer connects all of them.
Required Qualifications- B.S. or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field
- 6+ years of commercial experience in silicon photonics or integrated photonic device design
- Deep understanding of photonic device physics: electro-optic modulators, photodetectors, gratings, couplers, micro-ring resonators
- Proficiency with simulation and design tools for passive and active optical devices (e.g., FDTD, charge transport simulation)
- Strong Python skills; demonstrated experience writing well-structured code and extending a shared codebase as part of a team
- Track record of taking opto-electronic components from design through manufacturing: design, debug, and validation
- Track record of solving problems that don't have obvious solutions - in device physics, process integration, or system-level tradeoffs
Preferred Qualifications- M.S. or PhD with integrated photonics focus
- Experience engaging directly with foundry process teams on process development or customization beyond standard PDK offerings
- High-speed design and RF test experience: VNA, BERT, wafer-level screening
- Statistical analysis of process and test data; DOE methods
- Familiarity with co-packaged optics: system requirements, CPO architectures, and the industry transition from pluggable to on-board optics
- Experience with electro-optic reliability modeling and testing
- Demonstrated use of AI tools to achieve meaningful productivity gains in design or analysis workflows - e.g., device optimization, AI-assisted code development
Salary Range: $180,000 - $240,000
NOTE TO RECRUITERS:
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don't send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
