Ph.D. Intern – Silicon Photonics, Optical Communications

Jobtailor; Arizona; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a PhD candidate for hands-on photonics research in Arizona. You will design, simulate, and validate silicon photonics components and transceiver subsystems while developing DSP algorithms for high-speed optical links.

Collaboration with IC, packaging, and systems teams will drive integration of photonic and electronic modules. Applicants should bring hands-on experience in photonics, optical communications, and DSP, with strong fundamentals in waveguides, modulators, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field focusing on photonics or high-speed signal processing.
• Hands-on research in photonics, optical communications, or high-speed links.
• Experience with silicon photonics design, transceiver systems, coherent/direct-detect formats, or DSP for high-speed links.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and characterize silicon photonics components and subsystems.
• Develop DSP algorithms for high-speed optical links (equalization, FEC, signal integrity).
• Model optical systems and perform link budget analyses for data center interconnects.
• Collaborate with analog IC, packaging, and systems teams to integrate photonics with electronics.

Skills

Silicon photonics

DSP algorithms

Optical communications

Waveguide theory

Modulator physics

Photodetector design

FEC techniques

PAM4 modulation

Signal integrity

Laboratory measurement

Tools

FDTD

MODE

Lumerical

MATLAB

High-speed test equipment

Job description

• Design, simulate, and characterize silicon photonics components and subsystems, including modulators, photodetectors, waveguides, and optical engines
• Develop and validate DSP algorithms for high-speed optical links, including equalization, FEC, and signal integrity techniques for PAM4 and coherent modulation formats
• Work on optical system modeling and link budget analysis for data center interconnect, co-packaged optics, and near-packaged optics applications
• Collaborate with analog IC design, packaging, and systems engineering teams to integrate photonic and electronic components into transceiver solutions
• Characterize and validate designs in the lab using high-speed test equipment, optical measurement tools, and silicon bring-up setups
• Participate in a structured design curriculum with Ph.D. intern peers
• Present research findings and design results to the engineering team

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, with a research focus in photonics, optical communications, or high-speed signal processing
• Hands-on research experience in photonics, optical communications, or high-speed signal processing
• Research experience in silicon photonics device design and simulation, optical transceiver systems, coherent or direct-detect optical communications, or DSP algorithm development for high-speed links
• Strong fundamentals in photonics and electromagnetics, including waveguide theory, modulator physics, photodetector design, or optical link analysis
• Confidence and independence using FDTD, MODE, Lumerical, MATLAB, or equivalent simulation and modeling tools
• Ability to communicate research findings and design tradeoffs clearly and present work to the engineering team
• Preferred: Experience with PAM4 or coherent modulation formats, FEC, or DSP equalization techniques
• Preferred: Familiarity with silicon photonics fabrication processes and design-for-manufacturing considerations in advanced CMOS-compatible platforms
• Preferred: Exposure to co-packaged optics, near-packaged optics, or optical engine integration
• Preferred: Lab experience with high-speed optical or electrical test and measurement equipment
• Preferred: Familiarity with analog IC design or mixed-signal circuits related to optical transceiver front-ends
• Applicants must be eligible to access export-controlled information under applicable U.S. law; some applicants may be subject to an export license review process

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in silicon photonics design, optical communications, and high-speed signal processing, with strong capabilities in DSP algorithm development and optical system modeling. Proficient in using advanced simulation tools and lab equipment for characterizing and validating photonic components.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Silicon Photonics Device Design
• DSP Algorithm Development
• Optical Communications
• High-Speed Signal Processing
• Optical System Modeling

Hard Skills

• Silicon Photonics Design
• DSP Algorithms
• Optical Link Analysis
• Waveguide Theory
• Modulator Physics
• Photodetector Design
• FEC Techniques
• PAM4 Modulation
• Signal Integrity Techniques
• Optical Transceiver Systems

Soft Skills

• Clear Communication
• Independent Research
• Collaboration

Industry Keywords

• Photonics
• Optical Communications
• High-Speed Optical Links
• Coherent Modulation Formats
• Co-Packaged Optics
• Near-Packaged Optics
• Design-for-Manufacturing
• CMOS-Compatible Platforms

Tools & Technologies

• FDTD
• MODE
• Lumerical
• MATLAB
• High-Speed Test Equipment
• Optical Measurement Tools