Photonics Engineer

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and model backside-emitting VCSEL structures optimized for 1060 nm emission.
• Develop and simulate photonic crystal cavity structures to enhance light–graphene interaction.
• Optimize device parameters for >100 GHz 3 dB bandwidth, 3 dB extinction ratio.
• Collaborate with Graphenea on graphene deposition and doping strategies.
• Evaluate doping approaches (boron and molecular adsorbate) for Fermi level tuning and resistance control.
• Define gate oxide materials and thicknesses to minimize RC time constants in device performance.
• Work with Coherent’s Sherman facility to coordinate deposition, patterning, and etching processes.
• Oversee e-beam lithography (EBL) and reactive ion etching (RIE) for photonic crystal patterning.
• Integrate ITO contacts and graphene layers for electrical backgating.
• Perform electrical efficiency and high-speed modulation testing of graphene-based VCSELs.
• Conduct optical reflection and modulation experiments using spectrometers, beamsplitters, and photodiodes.
• Collaborate with Coherent teams in Fremont and Stanford University for advanced characterization.
• Work cross-functionally with materials scientists, process engineers, and external partners.
• Maintain detailed experiment logs, test reports, and contribute to patent filings and publications.

Education & Experience

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in VCSEL, photonics, or optoelectronic device R&D.
• Hands-on experience with nanofabrication (EBL, RIE, PVD/ALD/CVD).
• Proficiency with optical and electrical modeling tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, or equivalent).
• Experience with high-speed (GHz+) optoelectronic testing.
• Experience working with 2D materials (e.g., graphene) in optoelectronic applications.

Skills

• Knowledge of graphene doping and gate-tunable devices.
• Experience in cross-site collaboration and vendor management (international).
• Familiarity with backside-emitting VCSEL architectures and photonic crystal design.
• Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.
• Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp.