Photonic Layout Engineer

Polaris Electro-Optics, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for rapid advancement

Job summary

Polaris Electro-Optics, Inc. in San Diego, CA is seeking a motivated engineer to join the PIC Design team, focusing on silicon photonics devices.

You will learn rapidly and influence both technical and business activities in a fast-paced startup environment. Responsibilities include designing automation workflows in Python to generate photonic layouts, building and validating PCells for photonic and RF components, performing DRC and preparing GDS for tapeouts, and collaborating across teams to

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience using code-based photonic layout design tools (GDSFactory, Cadence, or similar).
• Strong programming and scripting skills (preferably Python).
• Experience with version control.
• Knowledge of semiconductor devices, fabrication, and silicon photonics.
• Hands-on PIC tapeout experience with commercial SiPh foundries using Cadence, GDSFactory, or other similar code-based layout tools.

Responsibilities

• Implement design automation workflows using Python/EAD tools to generate photonic layout for devices and PICs
• Construct, validate, and maintain parametric cells (PCells) for active/passive photonic and high-frequency RF components
• Perform DRC and prepare error-free GDS files for tapeouts with commercial foundries
• Collaborate closely with design, integration, and test teams to optimize designs based on aligned specifications and ensure compliance with design and manufacturability requirements

Skills

Python

Scripting

Version control

Silicon photonics

Semiconductor devices

Tapeout experience

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

GDSFactory

Cadence

Job description

The successful candidate will join our PIC Design team developing cutting-edge silicon photonics devices. This person will learn and grow rapidly, while having enormous impact across all technical and business activities in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities:

• Implement design automation workflows using Python/EAD tools to generate photonic layout for devices and PICs
• Construct, validate, and maintain parametric cells (PCells) for active/passive photonic and high-frequency RF components
• Perform DRC and prepare error-free GDS files for tapeouts with commercial foundries
• Collaborate closely with design, integration, and test teams to optimize designs based on aligned specifications and ensure compliance with design and manufacturability requirements

Required:

• Strong desire to contribute to a high-impact photonics company
• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field
• Hands-on experience using code-based photonic layout design tools (GDSFactory, Cadence, or similar)
• Strong programming and scripting skills (preferably Python)
• Eligible to work in the United States or Taiwan
• Hands-on PIC tapeout experience with commercial SiPh foundries using Cadence, GDSfactory, or other similar code-based layout tools
• Strong interest in learning and advancing emerging photonic technologies
• Experience with version control
• Knowledge of semiconductor devices, fabrication, and silicon photonics

Compensation and Benefits:

The annual base salary range for this position is $80,000 - $180,000 (for US employees, role level and salary commensurate with experience and impact)

• Opportunity for rapid advancement

About the Company:

Polaris Electro-Optics is redefining optical interconnects through our breakthrough Ferroelectric Nematic Glass (FenGlass™) technology, enabling ultra-fast, low-power silicon photonic modulators that unlock 400 G/lane and beyond. We’re a Series-A startup backed by leading investors and working with the world’s top datacom and coherent ecosystem players. Join us to define the next generation of optical connectivity.