Optical Engineer III

INSPYR Solutions · Redmond, WA · 3 wk ago

On-siteAnalyst$46–$66/hrContract

Location: Redmond, WA (Onsite) | Duration: 12 months | Compensation: $46 - $66/hour | Work Requirements: US Citizen, GC Holders, or Authorized to Work in the U.S.

About the role

Design, simulate, and optimize Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for next-generation near-to-eye display technologies. Develop fabrication-ready PIC layouts, ensuring compliance with foundry PDKs and supporting the full tapeout process. Perform photonic device modeling, optimization, and parametric analysis to improve performance and manufacturability. Collaborate with researchers, TPMs, and engineering leadership throughout the design-to-fabrication lifecycle. Support cutting-edge R&D efforts focused on integrated photonics and display technologies.

Responsibilities

Design, simulate, and lay out Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for visible or IR wavelengths.
Develop fabrication-ready PIC layouts using tools such as KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, or gdsfactory, including GDSII generation and foundry PDK integration.
Perform photonic device modeling, optimization, and parametric analysis to enhance performance and manufacturability.
Support the full tapeout process, ensuring compliance with foundry PDKs and understanding fabrication constraints.
Collaborate with researchers, TPMs, and engineering leadership throughout the design-to-fabrication lifecycle.
Use Python or MATLAB for scripting, automation, or analysis.

Requirements

3+ years of experience designing, simulating, and laying out Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for visible or IR wavelengths.
Experience with photonic simulation tools such as Lumerical (FDTD/MODE/DEVICE), Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, or COMSOL Multiphysics.
2+ years of experience using PIC layout tools such as KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, or gdsfactory, including GDSII generation and foundry PDK integration.
Experience supporting commercial foundry tapeouts and understanding fabrication constraints.
2+ years of experience using Python or MATLAB for scripting, automation, or analysis.
MS or preferably PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a related field.

Nice-to-Have Skills

Active PIC design, fabrication, and validation (especially LiNbO₃ or BTO platforms).
Photonic device characterization (optical/electro-optic measurements).
Fiber optics, free-space optics, or PIC packaging.
Statistical modeling, sensitivity analysis, and yield optimization.
Circuit-level photonic simulation tools (Lumerical Interconnect, Synopsys OptSim, VPIphotonics).
Semiconductor fabrication process knowledge and process-induced performance optimization.

Benefits