Photonic Integrated Circuit Researcher

ElevonHR; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ElevonHR in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Researcher to join our on-site team and advance next-generation photonic technologies. You will design, model, and experimentally validate PIC architectures for scalable manufacturing.

The role emphasizes simulations, layout, lab measurements, and collaborative problem solving across teams. A PhD or related degree and strong communication are preferred for this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Completed PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, or closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct theoretical analysis and innovative research in integrated photonics and photonic device technologies
• Develop, simulate, design, and validate photonic integrated circuits and optical components
• Analyze optical waveguide properties, including modal behavior, optical confinement, polarization, and dispersion
• Perform PIC layout and design using relevant photonic design and layout tools
• Conduct hands-on measurements and characterization of photonic components
• Interpret experimental data, validate simulation results, and recommend design improvements
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering and research teams to solve complex technical challenges
• Contribute to research proposals, technical documentation, and the development of practical photonic solutions

Skills

Photonics fundamentals

Optics

Semiconductor physics

PIC experience

Lab measurements

Python

MATLAB

Education

Master’s or PhD in relevant field

Tools

RSoft

Ansys Lumerical

Tidy3D

IPKISS

KLayou

Job description

Company Description

ElevonHR, part of Elevon Corporate Services, is a premier recruitment and talent solutions firm with a global presence across the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The organization focuses on connecting innovative companies with highly skilled professionals through tailored recruitment and embedded RPO services. With deep expertise across IT & Technology, Fintech, Social Media, Telecom, Entertainment, Retail, Infrastructure, and BPOs, ElevonHR supports clients in building high-performing teams. The firm is committed to enhancing hiring efficiency, supporting long-term growth, and fostering strong partnerships between employers and talent.

Role Description

The Photonic Integrated Circuit Researcher will work on-site in Santa Clara, CA in a full-time capacity, contributing to the design, modeling, and experimental validation of advanced photonic integrated circuits. Day-to-day responsibilities include developing and simulating PIC architectures, collaborating with cross-functional teams on device layout and packaging, and performing laboratory measurements to characterize optical performance.

The role involves documenting research results, preparing technical reports and publications, and presenting findings to internal stakeholders and external partners. The researcher will also support technology roadmap development, evaluate new materials and fabrication processes, and help translate research outcomes into scalable, manufacturable solutions.

We are seeking an innovative and technically accomplished Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Researcher to contribute to the development of next-generation integrated photonic technologies. This role is ideal for a research-driven professional with deep expertise in optical waveguide theory, photonic device simulation, PIC design, and experimental characterization.

You will work on challenging engineering and research problems, translating theoretical concepts into practical photonic solutions through simulation, layout, measurement, and validation.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in photonics, optics, and semiconductor device physics, with experience in photonic integrated circuits and related technologies.
• Proficiency with simulation and design tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, OptiFDTD, or similar) for modeling optical components and PIC architectures.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory measurement techniques, including optical characterization, high-speed testing, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of fabrication processes, materials, and packaging for photonic and semiconductor devices, and ability to collaborate with foundries or process engineers.
• Effective technical communication skills for writing reports, papers, and documentation, and for presenting complex concepts to multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively in an on-site research environment, manage multiple projects, and meet milestones in a fast-paced setting.
• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field; relevant industry or postdoctoral experience is an advantage.
• Familiarity with programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis and automation is beneficial.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in industry or academia, and a track record of innovation or publications in photonics is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• - Conduct theoretical analysis and innovative research in integrated photonics and photonic device technologies
• .- Develop, simulate, design, and validate photonic integrated circuits and optical components
• .- Analyze optical waveguide properties, including modal behavior, optical confinement, polarization, and dispersion
• .- Perform PIC layout and design using relevant photonic design and layout tools
• .- Conduct hands-on measurements and characterization of photonic components
• .- Interpret experimental data, validate simulation results, and recommend design improvements
• .- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering and research teams to solve complex technical challenges
• .- Contribute to research proposals, technical documentation, and the development of practical photonic solutions

Required Qualification

• s- Completed PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, or a closely related fiel
• d.- Demonstrated research experience in integrated photonics, photonic devices, or photonic integrated circuit
• s.- Strong theoretical understanding of optical waveguide theory, including mode solving, confinement, polarization, and dispersio
• n.- Practical experience in PIC simulation, design, and layou
• t.- Familiarity with tools such as RSoft, Ansys Lumerical, Tidy3D, IPKISS, or KLayou
• t.- Extensive hands-on experience with PIC component measurement, testing, and characterizatio
• n.- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skill

Preferred Qualificatio

• ns- Experience with silicon photonics or other integrated photonic platfor
• ms.- Background in optical component testing, laboratory instrumentation, and experimental validati
• on.- Experience correlating simulated device performance with measured resul
• ts.- A strong record of relevant research publications, technical projects, or paten

ts.