Photonics Chip Lead Engineer
About the Role
We are looking for a highly experienced Photonics Chip Lead to take ownership of the design and delivery of advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for next-generation optical networking solutions. This role requires deep technical expertise in Silicon Photonics systems, block and device design, as well as proficiency with IC design tools and PIC/ASIC co-design methodologies. You will lead the full lifecycle of photonic chip development—from architecture through physical design and integration—collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead the design and delivery of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for core product lines.
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Drive all key phases of PIC development, including architecture, photonic routing, schematic capture, modeling, and physical layout.
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Collaborate closely with analog, digital, and packaging teams to ensure all product and integration requirements are met.
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Contribute to the design and optimization of Silicon Photonics devices and subsystems, enhancing the internal photonics design kit (PDK) and design libraries.
Qualifications
Specialized Skills
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Proven experience in end-to-end Silicon Photonics PIC design, including architecture, link budget analysis, and system integration.
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Expertise in photonic circuit modeling and simulation using industry-standard tools such as Lumerical, Photon Design, RSoft, or VPI.
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Strong background with physical design and layout tools (e.g., Cadence, Mentor Graphics, or equivalent).
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Experience in co-designing PICs with ASICs and digital control systems.
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Familiarity with data analysis platforms like JMP or DataConductor.
Education
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Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred).
Experience
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10+ years of hands-on experience in Silicon Photonics design and product development.
Attributes
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Highly self-driven with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
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Excels in collaborative, fast-paced environments.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Demonstrates strong attention to detail and creative problem-solving ability.
California Pay Range
$195,000 - $235,000 USD
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