Design Engineer

PIC Designer
Santa Clara, CA | Hybrid | Full-Time

The Opportunity
I’m working with a growing photonics company looking for a PIC Designer to join its PIC Architecture team.

This is a broad, hands-on position supporting the development of photonic integrated circuits built on a heterogeneous III-V and silicon photonics platform.

You’ll work across the PIC development lifecycle, bridging design, test, systems, operations and reliability. The role covers everything from design and layout reviews through device characterization, data analysis, debugging, performance optimization, qualification and eventual product release.

It’s a good opportunity for someone who already has a foundation in integrated photonics and wants to develop broader technical ownership across both PIC design and product development.

What You’ll Be Doing
Own engineering activities across prototype and development stages for PIC-based optical products
Support PIC design and layout reviews, including design rules and manufacturability
Analyze device and system-level test data to understand performance, trends and variability
Debug performance issues and carry out root cause analysis across process and design variations
Work with test engineering teams to define test plans, requirements and measurement methodologies
Work with systems teams on thermal modeling, EVT/DVT testing and PIC system-level testing
Support PIC performance optimization and ensure devices meet required specifications
Generate and maintain design documentation, characterization reports and product datasheets
Work closely with operations and reliability teams on qualification, yield improvement and product release

What We’re Looking For
M.S. or Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field
1–2+ years of relevant industry or research experience in photonics or semiconductor devices
Good understanding of integrated photonics and optical components including lasers, modulators, photodetectors and silicon photonics
Experience with photonic device characterization and test-data analysis
Ability to analyze large datasets and turn results into actionable engineering decisions
Experience with Python and/or JMP for data analysis
Understanding of PIC design, layout and semiconductor manufacturing processes
Strong debugging and problem-solving skills
Comfortable working cross-functionally across design, test, systems, operations and reliability teams
Strong attention to detail and technical documentation skills

Experience with heterogeneous III-V / silicon photonics, DFB lasers, EAMs, photodetectors, optical transceivers or PIC product development would be particularly relevant.

Why Consider It?
You’ll be joining a growing photonics company developing technology for high-speed optical connectivity, AI and hyperscale data center applications.

The role offers exposure beyond pure PIC design, giving you the opportunity to work across device performance, test, systems, manufacturing, reliability and product development while building deeper expertise in heterogeneous III-V / silicon photonics.


Compensation: Competitive base salary + equity

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