Advanced Photonics Engineer

GlobalFoundries; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 167,000 - 319,000; Full time

Job summary

GlobalFoundries is seeking an experienced photonics engineer for its Silicon Photonics Product Line in Santa Clara. The role focuses on defining and realizing next-generation photonic devices and system architectures aligned with near-term customer and market needs.

As part of the Advanced Photonics team, you will translate trends into executable architectures and drive productization, collaborating with gfLabs, silicon photonics, and fab teams to ensure manufacturability, scalability, and

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Deep expertise in photonic devices and integrated photonics, with a strong understanding of system-level implications.
• Experience across device, system, and manufacturing domains in a product-driven environment.
• Proven ability to engage credibly with customers, partners, and executive stakeholders.
• Strong track record of translating advanced technology concepts into product-relevant outcomes on aggressive timelines.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the next generation roadmap for advanced photonic devices, aligned to business and customer needs.
• Define the architecture and design of advanced photonic building blocks and subsystems.
• Translate system-level requirements into device-level and platform-level innovation that can be industrialized rapidly.
• Collaborate closely with customer development teams on next-generation photonic systems and architectures.
• Act as a technical counterpart to senior customer architects and technologists, influencing early system definitions and design choices.

Skills

Photonic devices

Integrated photonics

System-level engineering

Customer engagement

Product development

Cross-functional leadership

Education

PhD in Photonics / Electrical Engineering / Applied Physics

Job description

About GlobalFoundries

GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

About GlobalFoundries

GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

Summary Of Role

The inevitable transition from electrons to photons for high-speed communications and computing is transforming the semiconductor industry. Silicon Photonics is a dynamic and rapidly growing market that GlobalFoundries has committed to invest in.

The Silicon Photonics Product Line is seeking a highly motivated and experienced photonics engineer for the Advanced Photonics team that is focused on driving the definition and realization of next-generation photonic devices and system architectures that are closely aligned with near‑term customer and market needs. The Advanced Photonics team will translate industry trends and customer requirements into executable architectures, device concepts, and development programs with clear paths to productization.

Essential Responsibilities

• Technical & Strategic Leadership
  • Define and drive the next generation roadmap for advanced photonic devices, aligned to business and customer needs.
  • Define the architecture and design of advanced photonic building blocks and subsystems.
  • Translate system‑level requirements into device‑level and platform‑level innovation that can be industrialized rapidly.
• Customer Engagement & Co‑Development
  • Collaborate closely with customer development teams on next‑generation photonic systems and architectures.
  • Act as a technical counterpart to senior customer architects and technologists, influencing early system definitions and design choices.
  • Ensure customer learnings are rapidly incorporated into device concepts and platform enhancements.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely with:
    • gfLabs photonics team to transition longer‑term innovations into near‑term product opportunities.
    • Silicon photonics development teams to ensure seamless integration into the product roadmap.
    • Fab and foundry teams to align designs with manufacturing realities, yield, reliability, and scalability.
  • Drive tight alignment across device design, process technology, packaging, and test.
• Industry Awareness & Technology Insertion
  • Continuously track industry trends, standards, and competitive developments in photonics, AI interconnects, and advanced optical systems.
  • Evaluate and selectively incorporate external innovations, ensuring differentiation and time‑to‑market advantage.
• Others
  • Mentor and support junior architects and engineers in the team
    

Other Responsibilities

Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Deep expertise in photonic devices and integrated photonics, with a strong understanding of system‑level implications.
• Experience working across device, system, and manufacturing domains in a product‑driven environment.
• Proven ability to engage credibly with customers, partners, and executive stakeholders.
• Strong track record of translating advanced technology concepts into product‑relevant outcomes on aggressive timelines.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Expected Salary Range

$166,500.00 - $319,000.00

The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre‑employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.

GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.

All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third‑party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law