Optical Engineer, Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Design & Analysis

About the role

We are seeking a passionate Optical Engineer to join our research and development team. This role focuses on delivering state-of-the-art near-to-eye display system technologies. The ideal candidate will have expertise in client integrated photonics device design and metrology, gained through a Ph.D. or industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complete Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), from fundamental component blocks to full-circuit implementations, with a strong emphasis on active device integration.
• Generate, verify, and prepare fabrication-ready layout files, ensuring compliance with foundry Process Design Kits (PDKs) for external fabrication.
• Conduct systematic design analysis, including optimization and parametric studies, to guide design decisions.
• Support the entire design-to-fabrication pipeline, from initial concept through tapeout, coordinating closely with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Collaborate with program leadership, Technical Program Managers (TPMs), and researchers on PIC designs that align with overall program objectives.

Requirements

• MS or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a closely related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in the design, simulation, and layout of PICs for visible or IR wavelengths on platforms such as Si, SiN, LiNbO, or BTO.
• 3+ years of experience utilizing photonic device simulation and electromagnetic modeling tools for both component and circuit-level analysis (e.g., Lumerical FDTD/MODE/DEVICE, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, or COMSOL Multiphysics).
• 2+ years of experience with PIC layout tools and GDSII generation (e.g., KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, gdsfactory, or equivalent), including familiarity with foundry PDK integration and design rule verification.
• 2+ years of experience with scientific programming (e.g., Python or MATLAB) for scripting, design automation, and analysis.
• 1+ years of experience supporting or executing PIC tapeouts at a commercial semiconductor foundry, including an understanding of fabrication process constraints (e.g., propagation losses, sidewall roughness, etch non-idealities).

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience Required: MS or Ph.D. degree (preferred) in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Must-Have Skills:
  • PIC Design & Simulation: 3+ years designing, simulating, and laying out photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for visible/IR wavelengths.
  • Photonic Modeling Tools: Proficiency with tools like Lumerical, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, or COMSOL for device/circuit analysis.
  • PIC Layout & Tapeout: Experience with layout tools (KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, gdsfactory), GDSII generation, and supporting tapeouts at commercial foundries.
• Nice-to-Have Skills:
  • Active PIC Design & Validation: Experience in active PIC design, fabrication, and validation, especially for visible wavelengths.
  • Device Characterization: Skills in optical/electro-optic measurements, fiber optics, free-space optics, and PIC packaging.
  • Statistical Modeling & Sensitivity Analysis: Experience in design space exploration, yield modeling, and incorporating fabrication constraints.

Skills

• PIC Design & Simulation: 3+ years designing, simulating, and laying out photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for visible/IR wavelengths.
• Photonic Modeling Tools: Proficiency with tools like Lumerical, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, or COMSOL for device/circuit analysis.
• PIC Layout & Tapeout: Experience with layout tools (KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, gdsfactory), GDSII generation, and supporting tapeouts at commercial foundries.

Benefits

• Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
• Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated.
• In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.