Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Researcher

Keysight Technologies; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 164,000 - 274,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Health Savings Account

401(k) Plan

Flexible time off

Paid holidays

Paid family leave

Tuition reimbursement

ESPP

Job summary

Keysight Laboratories is seeking a PIC Researcher to invent, develop, and validate cutting-edge integrated photonic technologies. You will perform theoretical analysis, device simulations, layout, and measurements, driving innovations that translate into commercial products.

The role requires strong collaboration, excellent English communication, and on-site work at the Santa Clara, CA office with relocation support.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is required.
• Strong research experience in integrated photonics.
• Deep understanding of optical waveguide theory.
• Experience with PIC simulation, design and layout tools.
• Hands-on PIC component characterization.

Responsibilities

• Propose, develop and implement innovative PIC solutions.
• Perform theoretical analysis, photonic simulations, layout and measurements.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to transfer technology to products.

Skills

Innovative research

Waveguide theory

English communication

Team collaboration

PIC scripting

RF simulation

Circuit simulations

Photonic packaging

Python lab automation

Education

PhD in Photonics / EE / Optics / Physics

Tools

RSoft

Lumerical

Tidy3D

IPKISS

KLayout

Job description

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions.We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.

Responsibilities

About the Job:

At Keysight Laboratories, our researchers work on groundbreaking projects from our dynamic research portfolio, striving to deliver breakthrough technologies for Keysight. As a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Researcher, you will play a pivotal role in inventing, developing, and validating cutting-edge integrated photonic technologies. If successful, your efforts will enable new and breakthrough Keysight products and be used by many customers to accelerate their own innovations. This role requires a strong foundation in both measurement science and the theoretical principles and practical applications of PICs. We're looking for someone who is passionate about innovation, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is eager to drive impactful changes in the photonics field.

About the Team:

Keysight Laboratories serves as Keysight’s central research hub, committed to creating world-class electronic and photonic technologies that power next-generation solutions. You’ll join a diverse, inclusive, and multi-disciplinary team of talented professionals from various fields, including mm-waves, photonics, precision mechanical design, and software development. Our culture encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Your ideas are valued, and your contributions make a tangible difference.

Responsibilities:

As a PIC Researcher in Keysight Laboratories, you will apply your integrated photonic expertise as part of our team to propose, develop, and implement innovative yet practical solutions to technically challenging problems. Your initial work will include theoretical analysis, photonic device simulations, PIC layout, and PIC component measurements. PIC researchers are asked to:

• Identify new technologies early and how they can best be harnessed for Keysight
• Invent new measurement concepts or implementations to significantly impact Keysight’s businesses
• Implement these innovative concepts in actual hardware and software to prove feasibility
• Work with Keysight’s businesses to transfer the technology into commercial products.

This position requires close collaboration with colleagues and must be performed on-site at our Santa Clara, California office to foster innovation and teamwork effectively. Relocation is available for this position.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Completed Ph.D. degree in a relevant field (e.g., Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics)
• Demonstrated ability to perform innovative research in integrated photonics
• Deep understanding of optical waveguide theory (mode solving, confinement, polarization, dispersion)
• PIC simulation, design, and layout experience (RSoft, Lumerical, Tidy3D, IPKISS, KLayout)
• Extensive hands‑on PIC component characterization experience
• Familiarity with die‑or wafer‑level optical and electrical probing of passive and active PIC devices
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills
• Self‑motivated with an ability to work collaboratively in a multi‑disciplinary team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with script‑based PIC layout
• Familiarity with commercial PIC foundry tape‑out processes
• Experience in RF or microwave simulation and design
• Experience with circuit‑level simulations (ADS, INTERCONNECT, VPI)
• Photonic or electronic packaging experience
• Lab automation with Python – instrument control and data acquisition

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills; Most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed below.

Santa Clara, CA pay range: MIN $164,430.00 MIDPOINT $219,230.00 - MAX $274,040.00

Note:For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region

This role is eligible for Keysight Results Bonus Program

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Health Savings Account
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life, Accident, Disability insurance
• Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
• Paid Family Leave
• Discounts, Perks
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Adoption Assistance
• ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

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