Advanced Photonics Engineer

GlobalFoundries inc.; Town of Malta, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 191,000 - 319,000; Full time

Job summary

GlobalFoundries is seeking a highly skilled photonics engineer for the Advanced Photonics team. You will define architectures and devise next-generation photonic devices aligned with customer needs and market trends.

You will lead cross-functional efforts with gfLabs, silicon photonics teams, and fab groups to ensure designs are manufacturable and scalable, while mentoring junior engineers to drive rapid productization.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
• Deep expertise in photonic devices and integrated photonics with system-level understanding.
• Experience across device, system, and manufacturing domains in a product-driven environment.
• Proven ability to engage credibly with customers, partners, and executives.
• Strong track record translating advanced tech concepts into product outcomes on aggressive timelines.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the next generation roadmap for advanced photonic devices and subsystems.
• Translate system requirements into device concepts and platform enhancements that can be industrialized.
• Collaborate with customer development teams and act as technical counterpart to senior customer architects.
• Work with gfLabs and silicon photonics teams to align designs with manufacturing realities and product roadmap.
• Mentor junior architects and engineers within the team.

Skills

Photonic devices

System-level implications

Customer engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD strongly preferred in Photonics/ EE/ 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.

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.
• 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.

Salary

Expected Salary Range $166,500.00 - $319,000.00 The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.

Accommodation

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.

Equal Opportunity

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.

Culture

We shape what's essential At GlobalFoundries you will find a vibrant work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. Our diverse and global team shares a culture of respect and inclusivity, representing the best in the industry. We celebrate success together and are united by our dedication to excellence and our desire to improve and empower the world.