Optical Engineer

BCforward; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

BCforward is seeking an experienced Optical Engineer III to join our R&D team in Redmond, WA, onsite. The role focuses on Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) design, simulation, and analysis for next-generation near-to-eye display technologies.

The candidate will design PICs from devices to full circuits, create fabrication-ready layouts, run photonic simulations, and support tapeout activities with foundries. Strong Python/MATLAB and hands-on tool experience are required.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in EE, optical sciences, physics or related field.
• 5–7 years PIC design and development experience.
• 3+ years designing and laying out PICs for visible/IR platforms (Si/SiN/LiNbO/BTO).
• Hands-on experience with photonic simulation tools (Lumerical, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, COMSOL).
• Experience with PIC layout tools (KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, gdsfactory) and GDSII.
• Strong programming in Python or MATLAB for automation and data analysis.
• Experience supporting PIC tapeouts and fabrication constraints.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complete Photonic Integrated Circuits from devices to full circuits.
• Create fabrication-ready layouts compliant with PDk.
• Perform photonic simulations, optimization, and parametric analysis.
• Support design-to-fabrication lifecycle including tapeouts with foundries.
• Collaborate with PMs, researchers, and engineering teams on photonic solutions.
• Analyze fabrication constraints to maximize manufacturability and performance.
• Contribute to near-to-eye display technologies.

Skills

PIC Design & Simulation

Python or MATLAB Programming

Photonic Modeling Tools

GDSII / Tapeout

PIC layout & fabrication workflows

Education

MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering/Optical Sciences/Physics

Tools

Lumerical

Ansys Photonics

Synopsys RSoft

COMSOL Multiphysics

KLayout

Cadence Virtuoso

gdsfactory

Job description

Job Title: Optical Engineer III (Photonic Integrated Circuits - PIC)

Location: Redmond, WA (Onsite)

Duration: 24 Months (Potential Extension)

Candidates who can work independently without requiring visa sponsorship are applicable

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Optical Engineer III with expertise in Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) design, simulation, and analysis to join an innovative R&D team developing next-generation near-to-eye display technologies. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in integrated photonics, PIC layout, fabrication workflows, and optical device characterization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop complete Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) from component-level devices to full-circuit implementations.
• Create fabrication-ready layouts while ensuring compliance with foundry Process Design Kits (PDKs).
• Perform photonic device simulations, optimization, and parametric analysis to improve performance.
• Support the complete design-to-fabrication lifecycle, including tapeout activities with commercial semiconductor foundries.
• Collaborate with Technical Program Managers, researchers, and cross-functional engineering teams to deliver advanced photonic solutions.
• Analyze fabrication constraints and incorporate them into PIC designs to maximize manufacturability and performance.
• Contribute to the development of cutting-edge near-to-eye display technologies.

Required Qualifications

• MS or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a related discipline.
• 5-7 years of overall experience in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and development.
• 3+ years of experience designing, simulating, and laying out PICs for visible or IR wavelength platforms such as Silicon (Si), Silicon Nitride (SiN), Lithium Niobate (LiNbO), or BTO.
• Hands-on experience with photonic simulation tools such as Lumerical, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, or COMSOL Multiphysics.
• Experience using PIC layout tools including KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, gdsfactory, and GDSII generation.
• Strong programming experience with Python or MATLAB for automation, scripting, and data analysis.
• Experience supporting PIC tapeouts and understanding semiconductor fabrication processes and design constraints.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with active PIC design, fabrication, and validation.
• Knowledge of optical and electro-optic device characterization.
• Experience with fiber optics, free-space optics, and PIC packaging.
• Expertise in statistical modeling, sensitivity analysis, and yield optimization.
• Familiarity with photonic circuit simulation tools such as Lumerical Interconnect, Synopsys OptSim, or VPIphotonics.
• Experience optimizing PIC designs for fabrication limitations including propagation losses, sidewall roughness, and process variability.

Must-have Skills

• Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Design & Simulation
• Photonic Modeling Tools (Lumerical, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, COMSOL)
• PIC Layout, GDSII Generation, and Foundry Tapeout Experience
• Python or MATLAB Programming
• Semiconductor Fabrication Knowledge

Nice-to-have Skills

• Active PIC Design & Validation
• Optical Device Characterization
• Fiber Optics & PIC Packaging
• Statistical Modeling & Yield Analysis