Lead Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

COHERENT; Horsham (PA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. seeks a highly skilled photonics designer in Horsham, PA to advance silicon photonics devices from design to tapeout. You will run advanced optical and RF simulations, optimize device structures with foundries, and collaborate across teams to deliver high‑performance transceivers.

The role requires a PhD and hands-on industrial photonics experience, plus strong communication and independent work style in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field with strong research background.
• Minimum 2 years industrial experience in silicon/III-V photonics.
• Experience designing and optimizing photonic devices and PICs.
• Proficiency with RF/SI simulation and photonic CAD tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and layout silicon photonics devices.
• Operate optical and RF simulation tools (Lumerical, Rsoft, HFSS, ADS, CST).
• Tape out silicon photonics designs in fabs (internal and external).
• Collaborate with foundries and module developers for device structures.

Skills

RF/SI simulation

Photonic IC CAD

High-speed optoelectronics

Digital electronics

Module packaging

Verbal & written comms

Education

PhD in ECE / Optics / Physics

Tools

Lumerical

Rsoft

HFSS

ADS

CST

Cadence

Synopsis

Python design env.

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Work on silicon photonics device design, simulation, and layout
• Run a variety of optical simulation tools, including Lumerical and Rsoft
• Run a variety of RF simulation tools, including HFSS, ADS, and CST
• Run a variety of CAD tools, including Cadence, Synopsis, and Python design environments
• Tape out silicon photonics design in external and internal fabs
• Work with module developers to design the optical subassemblies
• Work with foundries to define and optimize the device structures and processes
• Work with test engineering teams to perform characterization of silicon photonics devices
• Work with quality engineers to create test and qualification plans

Education & Experience

• PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Optics and Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 2 years of industrial experience in design and optimization of silicon/III-V photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits

Skills

• Strong experience on RF/SI simulation and optimization, from components such as high-speed modulators/PDs, and subsystems including PCB/TIA/driver/optical components, to transceiver systems
• Strong experience in photonic integrated circuits design CAD tools
• Strong tapeout experience with photonics foundries
• 5 years of experience in testing and characterization of optoelectronic devices and modules
• Excellent experience of design/optimization of high-speed opto-electronic devices (modulators, photodetectors, lasers)
• Good knowledge of high-speed analog circuitry (TIA, modulator drivers)
• In-depth understanding of optical transceiver modules
• Good knowledge of fiber optic and/or wireless communication systems and applications
• Good knowledge of module packaging in optical communications
• Good knowledge of digital electronics circuitry (microprocessors, FPGAs, SPI)
• Good knowledge of digital signal processing
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent teamwork skills and strong independence
• Self-motivated with innovative thinking

Working Conditions

• Authorized to work in US

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

• I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust
• C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
• R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
• E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] .

ABOUT US

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Job Identification: 2013554

Degree Level: Doctorate Degree

Job Schedule: Full time

Pay Scale: $100,625 - $172,250 per year