Lead Photonics Integrated Circuit Engineer

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

Responsibilities

• Lead the Photonics technology roadmap aligned with the programme’s overall progression.
• Define go/no-go decision criteria, risk registers, and cost models for photonic integration at each process node, consistent with the programme’s existing MPW and pilot-line budgeting methodology.
• Conduct technology horizon scanning and competitive landscape analysis across silicon photonics, photonic quantum computing, and optical interconnect for AI accelerators.
• Lead the design, simulation, and characterisation of photonic components (waveguides, modulators, photodetectors, single-photon sources) compatible with the programme’s FEOL + X + BEOL process flow. Layout Execution & Tape-out Ownership: Lead complex, full-loop manual and automated layout designs and mixed-signal functions (high‑speed/general I/Os, ESD structures). Drive the full tape-out process, including floor planning, waveguide routing, and mask data preparation.
• Design and simulate photonic integrated circuits for communication, sensing, or compute-related applications. Work with fabrication partners to develop layouts and ensure manufacturable designs. Collaborate with electronics, packaging, and test teams to integrate PICs into larger hardware systems.
• Execute rigorous post-layout verification (DRC, LVS, fill, density) across multiple stepping versions. Trace defect sources, mitigate layout-dependent issues, and ensure DRC/LVS cleanliness prior to tape-out.
• Evaluate and specify co-integration pathways for photonic elements with the existing HZO ferroelectric and metal-oxide layers, identifying shared ALD and BEOL metal-stack process steps.
• Develop optical test and characterisation methodologies from wafer level through to packaged sub‑assembly, defining pass/fail metrics for manufacturing readiness.
• Establish and own the photonics simulation workflow, interfacing with the programme’s existing layered tool chain.
• Develop compact models and Verilog‑A behavioural descriptions for photonic devices to enable system‑level co‑simulation with the NC‑FET/memristor fabric.
• Model optical interconnect power, latency, and bandwidth budgets for hybrid electronic–photonic accelerator architectures.
• Build and lead a small specialist team as the photonics workstream scales through programme phases.
• Manage relationships with foundry partners, MPW brokers, and academic collaborators for photonic process access and IP development.
• Represent the programme at conferences, review panels, and in publications; contribute to grant and funding applications.
• Participate in programme-wide design reviews, providing photonics perspective on hybrid systolic/crossbar architecture decisions, precision formats, and KV‑cache strategies.
• Contribute to the programme’s future framework, specifically on optical compute and interconnect as an enabling pillar.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline with a focus on photonics, quantum optics, or integrated photonic devices. Candidates must possess a deep technical understanding of advanced node semiconductor fabrication, sophisticated automation capabilities and knowledge of high‑density chip design.
• Demonstrated track record in experimental quantum photonics R&D, including design, fabrication liaison, and characterisation of photonic devices or circuits.
• Deep knowledge of semiconductor process flows (CMOS front‑end and back‑end) and an understanding of how photonic elements integrate within or alongside electronic process modules. Understanding of analog circuit layout, Silicon Photonic constraints, and device physics within advanced sub‑micron CMOS and SiPh technologies.
• Experience translating research‑stage photonic technologies toward manufacturable, scalable hardware – ideally within a commercial or national‑lab R&D environment.
• Strong publication record and the ability to communicate complex photonic and quantum concepts to cross‑disciplinary engineering teams.
• Proficiency in physical modelling and data analysis (C++, Python, SKILL, TCL, HDL, MATLAB, or equivalent); familiarity with photonic simulation tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, MEEP, or similar). Experience with Cadence Virtuoso (Custom Layout, SDL) and industry‑standard verification suites (Calibre, Hercules, ICV, Dracula, or Primeyield)
• Experience developing or contributing to multi‑year technology roadmaps, including milestone definition, risk assessment, and cost estimation.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in photonic technology development, including design, simulation, and characterization of photonic components and integrated circuits. Proficient in semiconductor process flows and capable of translating research‑stage technologies into manufacturable hardware.