PIC Designer

Senior PIC Designer

Darwin is partnering with a well-funded deep-tech start-up developing next-generation solid-state UV photonics technology. Their innovations are enabling compact, energy-efficient solutions. Backed by leading investors and collaborating with major global industry partners, they're growing their team at an exciting stage.

Responsibilities

• Design and model new passive photonic elements
• Create models for nonlinear frequency conversion of light and assess total system performance in a photonic link budget
• Design and model on-chip electrical controls to tune photonic elements
• Contribute to research and development into new materials that enhance nonlinear optical effects
• Interface with photonic fabrication team to develop scripted layouts for new device testing and tolerance studies
• Form design of experiments (DOE) that isolate and assess photonic performance
• Interface with photonic testing team to oversee implementation of DOEs, analyze performance data, and provide insight on design requirements
• Breakpoint new PIC designs in line with R&D and production schedules
• Contribute to brainstorming, troubleshooting, and deep-dives for hybrid integration and heterogeneously integrated PIC designs
• Work with cross-functional teams, consultants, and partners to steer device architecture to meet performance requirements
• Contribute to IP disclosures for novel photonic devices, integrated lasers, and PIC designs
• Foster a collaborative and innovative culture across the organization

Requirements

• Ph.D. Degree in electrical engineering, physics, optics, materials science or equivalent in experience
• 4+ years of photonic industry experience in photonic component design, PIC design, and/or nonlinear optics design
• Expertise in passive photonic device modeling, such as using COMSOL, FDTD, EME, PhotonForge, Rsoft, Synopsys, etc
• Expertise in modeling electrical-based tuning/modulation of passive photonic elements
• Expertise in scripted photonic device layout
• Experience in free-space optics modeling
• Experience in data analysis/visualization
• Experience in interfacing PICs with external elements, such as with free-space optics, fiber (SM/MM), and/or off-chip packaged lasers
• Proficient in developing automated scripts for design, modeling, and/or testing for rapid feedback
• Knowledge of semiconductor laser physics and intracavity photonic elements
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control, Design for Manufacturing and Assembly, Failure Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, and Lean Manufacturing methods
• Knowledge of design constraints for on-chip photonic devices and on-chip electrical controls