Integrated Photonics Engineer

Beacon Photonics; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Employee stock ownership

Health coverage

401(k) matching

Job summary

Beacon Photonics in Arlington, VA seeks an Integrated Photonics Engineer to design, lay out, and deliver heterogenous photonic integrated circuits for next-generation laser components and systems. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and external foundries to push performance beyond today’s state of the art.

Join a world-class team of engineers and scientists, contribute to proposals and publications, and help scale novel technologies from concept to prototypes.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in integrated photonics.
• Expertise in design, tape-out, and delivery of photonic ICs.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor devices and fabrication processes.
• Experience with photonic component and circuit simulation using physics-based models and tools.
• Hands-on experience with characterizing photonic and electronic devices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and tape out photonic ICs and systems.
• Simulate optical components to optimize performance.
• Analyze data and generate test reports to guide design iterations.
• Collaborate with foundry partners to enable advanced packaging and fabrication.
• Develop workflows for scalable simulation, layout, and characterization.
• Support leadership with technical direction and strategic decisions.

Skills

Integrated photonics

Photonic IC design

Simulation and modeling

Python

Matlab

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, or related field

Tools

FDTD

EME

VPI

Simulink

CAD tools

Job description

Beacon Photonics is creating revolutionary optical microsystems to disrupt traditional laser markets. Founded by pioneers in the field of integrated photonics, we are a dynamic tech startup at the forefront of optical innovation. Our heterogeneous photonics technology enables high-performance products that provide unparalleled advantages in cost, size, and functionality for communications, sensing, and quantum systems. We are a dedicated group of world-class engineers and scientists devoted to realizing transformative capabilities and solving real-world problems.

We are seeking an exceptional Integrated Photonics Engineer to join our rapidly growing team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, layout, and characterization of heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits to create next-generation laser components and systems. As a key team member, you will refine and deliver products and prototypes, propose and lead technical efforts, collaborate with cross-functional teams and state-of-the-art foundries, and report directly to senior leadership.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and tape out cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits and systems
• Simulate optical components and devices to predict and optimize performance
• Analyze data, generate test reports, and synthesize results to inform future design iterations
• Develop, implement, and refine new heterogeneous integration processes with external foundry partners to enable performance beyond today’s state of the art
• Create scalable simulation, layout, and characterization procedures and workflows
• Direct external vendors for prototype packaging and custom fabrication
• Shape the company’s future by building capabilities, proposing and leading new efforts, and supporting ongoing development activities
• Work closely with leadership to inform technical decisions and company direction

Requirements:

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in physics, electrical engineering, or similar field
• 3+ years of professional experience with integrated photonics
• Expertise with the design, tape out, and delivery of photonic integrated circuits
• Deep familiarity of semiconductor devices and fabrication processes
• Expertise with the simulation of photonic components and circuits using physics-based models and with commercial tools such as FDTD, EME, VPI, and Simulink
• Hands-on experience characterizing passive and active photonic and electronic devices
• Expertise in one or more applications of integrated photonics, such as communications, sensing, industrial processing, defense, and quantum technology
• Demonstrated success in the preparation of technical proposals, publications, and patents
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong work ethic, and attention to detail

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Design of experiment methods and statistical data analysis
• Scripting and automation tools such as Python and Matlab
• Practical photonic integrated circuit packaging, including wirebonding and fiber attach
• Experience with free-space optics, advanced laser measurements, and thermal modeling
• Analog, digital, and RF electronics and laser instrumentation

Beacon Photonics has offices in Arlington, VA and Santa Barbara, CA. We value innovation, collaboration, open and honest communication, and a passion for technology. Come build your future with us!

• competitive compensation and employee stock ownership
• generous family medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, holidays, parental leave, and paid time off

Beacon is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

This position involves access to technology that may be subject to U.S. export controls. Such access is granted to U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, certain categories of refugees and asylees, and those who can obtain appropriate export control licenses from the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce.