Integrated Photonics Engineer

Beacon Photonics; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Employee stock ownership

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Beacon Photonics is building revolutionary optical microsystems and seeking an Integrated Photonics Engineer to design, lay out, and validate heterogeneous photonic ICs for next‑generation laser components and systems. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams and external foundries to deliver prototypes and products.

The candidate will lead technical efforts, refine processes, and report to senior leadership, while shaping products for sensing, communications, and quantum applications.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics/engineering or MS with 3+ years photonics
• Experience simulating photonic components and circuits using physics-based models
• Hands-on characterization of photonic and electronic devices
• Tape-out and layout in foundries (Python, gdsfactory, Cadence)
• Familiarity with semiconductor devices and fabrication processes

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and tape out photonic integrated circuits and systems
• Simulate optical components and devices to optimise performance
• Analyse data, generate test reports, and inform design iterations
• Develop integration processes with external foundry partners
• Create scalable simulation, layout, and characterisation workflows
• Direct external vendors for prototype packaging and fabrication

Skills

Photonic simulation

Tape-out

Layout design

Semiconductor fabrication

Characterisation

Foundry collaboration

Education

PhD in physics/EE

MS with 3+ years photonics

Tools

FDTD

EME

VPI

Simulink

Python

gdsfactory

Cadence

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 characterisation 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 optimise performance
• Analyse data, generate test reports, and synthesise 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 characterisation procedures and workflows
• Direct external vendors for prototype packaging and custom fabrication

Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree in physics, electrical engineering, or similar field, or M.S. with 3+ years of professional experience with integrated photonics
• 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 characterising passive and active photonic and electronic devices
• Expertise with tape out and layout (Python, gdsfactory, Cadence, etc.) in foundries
• Deep familiarity with semiconductor devices and fabrication processes

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Design of experiment methods and statistical data analysis
• Practical photonic integrated circuit packaging, including wirebonding and fibre 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! Our benefits include competitive compensation and employee stock ownership. We provide 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, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

Estimated Salary Range: $130K – $230K

Actual compensation for the role will be commensurate with the candidate’s education, work experience, skills, incoming position, and responsibilities.

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 naturalised), lawful permanent residents, certain categories of refugees and asylees, and those who can obtain appropriate export control licences from the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce.