Silicon Photonics Switch Architect

Qpisemi; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 6,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Qpisemi seeks a visionary Silicon Photonics Switch Architect to lead the design of state-of-the-art optical interconnects. You will bridge optical physics, CMOS electronics and advanced packaging from concept to high-volume manufacture.

You will own the holistic architectural vision, drive system integration with 2.5D/3D packaging, and collaborate across hardware, RF, and packaging teams to realize scalable, low-latency photonic switches.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical sciences or related field.
• 5+ years in integrated photonics with high-speed optical switching focus.
• Proficient in photonic simulation and layout/physical verification tools.

Responsibilities

• Define system and chip-level architecture for high-capacity SiPh switch fabrics.
• Develop end-to-end optical link budgets and co-design photonic devices with electronics.
• Spearhead floorplanning and integration with CMOS electronics using advanced packaging.
• Perform trade-off analyses balancing performance, thermal, cost and manufacturability.
• Define optical test methodologies and ensure high yield with reliability teams.
• Collaborate across hardware, RF, packaging and foundry teams.

Skills

SiPh architecture

Photonic simulation

RF/high-frequency design

Python/C/C++

2.5D/3D packaging

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Ph.D./MS in Electrical Engineering/Physics/Optical sciences

Tools

Lumerical

Ansys

gdsfactory

IPKISS

Calibre

Python

C/C++

Job description

We are seeking a visionary Silicon Photonics Switch Architect to lead the definition, design, and optimization of our next-generation optical switching platforms. You will bridge the gap between optical physics, ASIC/CMOS electronics, and advanced packaging to deliver state-of-the-art optical interconnects. You will own the holistic architectural vision from concept through to high-volume manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture Definition: Lead the system and chip-level architecture for high-capacity Silicon Photonics (SiPh) switch fabrics, ensuring optimized performance, latency, and energy efficiency (pJ/bit).

Link Budgeting & Co-Design: Develop end-to-end optical link budgets. Drive the joint optoelectronic co-design of photonic devices (modulators, photodetectors, ring resonators) alongside electronic drivers (TIA, DSP).

System Integration: Spearhead the floorplanning and integration of SiPh chips with scaled CMOS electronics using advanced 2.5D/3D packaging and hybrid bonding.

Design & Simulation: Conduct rigorous trade-off analyses balancing performance, thermal management, cost, and manufacturability.

Design for Test (DFT): Define optical test methodologies and collaborate with test and reliability teams to ensure high yield and product robustness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the technical anchor point, collaborating closely with hardware, RF design, packaging, and foundry engineering teams.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical sciences, or a related quantitative field.

Experience

5+ years of industry experience in integrated photonics, with a strong focus on high-speed optical communications or photonic switching.

• Proficiency in photonic simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, Ansys).
• Familiarity with layout and physical verification tools (e.g., gdsfactory, IPKISS, Calibre).
• Scripting and automation skills (Python or C/C++).

Domain Knowledge

Solid grasp of electromagnetic theory, RF/high- frequency design, optical packaging, and fiber-to-chip coupling techniques.

Soft Skills

Excellent technical leadership and communication skills, with a proven track record of bringing complex optical systems to life.