Lead Photonics IC Engineer for AI Accelerators

Jobtailor; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in San Francisco is seeking a PhD‑level photonics lead to define roadmaps and go/no‑go criteria for photonic integration across process nodes, aligned with programme budgeting and risk management.

You will conduct horizon scanning across silicon photonics and optical interconnects for AI accelerators, lead layout and tape‑out, and collaborate with electronics, packaging, and test teams to deliver manufacturable PICs.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with photonics focus and advanced node fabrication knowledge.
• Proven track record in experimental quantum photonics R&D with device or circuit characterization.
• Deep knowledge of CMOS front‑end/back‑end and how photonics integrates with electronic flows.
• Experience translating research photonics to manufacturable hardware in industry or national labs.
• Strong publication record and ability to communicate complex concepts across teams.
• Proficiency in modelling and data analysis (C++, Python, SKILL, TCL, HDL, MATLAB) and photonic tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, MEEP); Cadence Virtuoso and verification suites.

Responsibilities

• Lead the photonics technology roadmap aligned with programme progression.
• Define go/no-go criteria, risk registers, and cost models for photonic integration at each process node.
• Conduct horizon scanning across silicon photonics, photonic quantum computing, and optical interconnects for AI accelerators.
• Lead design, simulation, and characterisation of photonic components and full tape-out ownership.
• Design and simulate photonic ICs, collaborate with fabrication partners to ensure manufacturability.
• Execute post-layout verification (DRC, LVS, fill, density) and mitigate layout issues before tape-out.
• Evaluate co-integration pathways with HZO ferroelectric and BEOL layers and shared process steps.
• Develop optical test methodologies from wafer to sub‑assembly with pass/fail metrics.
• Establish photonics simulation workflows and interface with layered tool chains.
• Develop Verilog‑A models for photonic devices for system‑level co‑simulation.
• Model optical interconnect power, latency, and bandwidth for hybrid architectures.
• Build and lead a small photonics team; manage relationships with foundries and collaborators.
• Represent the programme at conferences and reviews; contribute to grant and funding applications.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute photonics perspectives on architecture decisions.

Skills

C++

Python

TCL

HDL

MATLAB

SKILL

Education

PhD in Physics

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Lumerical

COMSOL

MEEP

Cadence Virtuoso

Calibre

Hercules

Job description

Jobtailor in San Francisco is seeking a PhD‑level photonics lead to define roadmaps and go/no‑go criteria for photonic integration across process nodes, aligned with programme budgeting and risk management.

You will conduct horizon scanning across silicon photonics and optical interconnects for AI accelerators, lead layout and tape‑out, and collaborate with electronics, packaging, and test teams to deliver manufacturable PICs.