High-Speed PIC Researcher

Darwin Recruitment; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking a High-Speed Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Researcher to join a global technology firm's advanced photonics team in the United States. You will lead design, simulation and validation of PICs operating at frequencies >100 GHz, bridging photonics, RF/mm-wave and packaging.

The role emphasizes hands-on measurements, prototype builds and collaboration across multidisciplinary groups to drive commercial outcomes.

Qualifications

• PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or Physics required.
• At least 2 years of post-PhD experience.
• Strong background in high-speed integrated photonics.
• Experience with PIC simulation, design and layout using Lumerical, Tidy3D, IPKISS, KLayout or Cadence.
• Experience with RF, microwave or mm-wave simulation and design (ADS/HFSS/CST).
• Hands-on experience characterising high-speed optoelectronic devices (>10 GHz).
• Strong communication and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop high-speed photonic technologies with commercial potential.
• Design, simulate and lay out PICs, considering performance, packaging and manufacturability.
• Develop new measurement concepts for photonic and electronic technologies.
• Build and test hardware and software prototypes to demonstrate feasibility of new concepts.
• Carry out high-speed optoelectronic characterization and measurements.
• Collaborate across photonics, RF/mm-wave, mechanical and software disciplines.
• Transfer successful technologies from research into commercial product development.

Skills

High-speed photonics

Strong communication

Education

PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics

Tools

Lumerical

Tidy3D

IPKISS

KLayout

Cadence

ADS

HFSS

CST

Job description

High-Speed Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Researcher

About the Company

Our client is a global technology company developing advanced solutions across electronic design, simulation, test, measurement, and semiconductor technologies. Their central research organisation focuses on developing breakthrough technologies that will shape future products and enable innovation across areas including communications, quantum, aerospace, defence, and semiconductors.

The Role

We are seeking a High-Speed Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Researcher to join an advanced research team developing next-generation integrated photonic technologies operating at frequencies exceeding 100 GHz.

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of integrated photonics, RF/mm-wave engineering, electro-optic materials, and high-speed device characterisation. You will take new concepts from theoretical analysis and simulation through PIC design, layout, experimental validation, and ultimately towards commercial products.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Research and develop innovative high-speed integrated photonic technologies and identify emerging technologies with commercial potential.
• Design, simulate and lay out PICs, considering device performance, packaging and manufacturability.
• Develop new measurement concepts and experimental approaches for advanced photonic and electronic technologies.
• Build and test hardware and software prototypes to demonstrate the feasibility of new concepts.
• Carry out high-speed optoelectronic characterisation and measurements.
• Work across photonics, RF/mm-wave, mechanical and software disciplines.
• Transfer successful technologies from research into commercial product development.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 2 years of post-PhD experience.
• Strong research background in high-speed integrated photonics.
• Experience with PIC simulation, design and layout using tools such as Lumerical, Tidy3D, IPKISS, KLayout or Cadence.
• Experience with RF, microwave or mm-wave simulation and design, ideally using tools such as ADS, HFSS or CST.
• Hands-on experience characterising high-speed optoelectronic devices (>10 GHz).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Desirable

• Experience with script-based or automated PIC layout.
• Knowledge of electro-optic materials, including lithium niobate or lithium tantalate.
• Experience with PIC foundry tape-outs.
• Exposure to photonic or electronic packaging.
• Experience using Python for lab automation, instrument control or data acquisition.