Photonic Design Engineer

Brightpath Associates LLC; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative optical solutions startup is seeking Photonic Design Engineers to develop core optical technology. The role involves designing, simulating, and testing photonic components critical for high-speed optical communication. Ideal candidates will have a background in Electrical Engineering or Physics, demonstrating strong teamwork and proficiency in simulation tools. This position provides opportunities for impactful work at the forefront of optical technology and AI computing.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Experience with photonic components integration for telecom or datacom.
• Hands-on experience with test plans for photonic integrated circuits.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize photonic components.
• Execute Design of Experiments (DOEs) to optimize components.
• Oversee assembly and integration of photonic components.

Skills

Design and simulation of photonic components

Teamwork and collaboration

Communication skills

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Tools

RSoft

Lumerical

HFSS

OptSim

GDS Factory

Luceda IPKISS

OptoCompiler

COMSOL

Sentaurus

Silvaco

VPI

Job description

Overview

We’re hiring photonic design engineers at all experience levels, from talented new grads to seasoned experts with 10+ years. Compensation, title, and responsibilities matched to skillset and experience.

Company Overview: We are an early-stage startup specializing in next‑generation optical link solutions. As a Photonic Design Engineer on our team, you’ll help us make a transformative impact on data centers and AI computing.

Role Overview

Role Overview: The rapid evolution of AI networks has created an urgent need for innovative fiber-optic communication solutions that incorporate photonic integrated circuits (PICs). On our growing team, you will drive the development of our core optical PIC technology through design, simulation, and testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize passive and active photonic components using a variety of simulation tools like RSoft, Lumerical, HFSS, EMPro, COMSOL, Sentaurus, and Silvaco.
• Plan and execute Design of Experiments (DOEs) to optimize photonic components.
• Design layouts for high-speed optical transmitters and receivers on tools such as GDS Factory, Luceda IPKISS, and OptoCompiler.
• Perform system-level simulations, integrating both simulated and real test data, using tools such as OptSim and VPI.
• Oversee assembly, packaging, and integration of PICs with electronic components on PCBs.
• Define and implement standardized test plans for photonic components and PICs.
• Conduct comprehensive testing and validation of high-speed PICs and optoelectronic assemblies, including transmitters and receivers.
• Define and execute reliability studies and failure analysis for photonic components, PICs and optoelectronic assemblies.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Experience with design, test, and integration of photonic components for telecom or datacom transceivers, including lasers, MZMs, photodiodes, and passive components
• Hands‑on experience developing and executing test plans for PICs.
• Proficiency in the simulation and design tools listed under Key Responsibilities.
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience delivering photonic components and PICs for telecom or datacom products.
• High-speed modulator and detector design and test experience.
• Experience with PIC product packaging, testing, and qualification.
• Yield, reliability and failure analysis experience.