PIC Researcher

Darwin Recruitment; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Researcher to join their advanced R&D team in Santa Clara, CA. You will drive design and validation of integrated photonic technologies from simulation to experimental testing.

The role emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, independent work, and translating research concepts into scalable, commercial solutions. A PhD and hands-on PIC experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• PhD in Photonics, Optics, EE, Physics or related field.
• Strong understanding of integrated photonics and waveguide theory.
• Experience in PIC design, simulation and layout.
• Hands-on photonic device testing and characterisation.

Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate emerging integrated photonic technologies and applications.
• Develop and optimise PIC designs through theoretical analysis and simulation.
• Perform photonic device modelling, layout and component characterisation.
• Develop and implement innovative optical measurement techniques.
• Conduct hands-on testing and validation of photonic devices.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical solutions.
• Support transition of research concepts into commercial products.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Photonics theory

PIC design

Testing & characterisation

Wafer probing

Education

PhD in Photonics or related

Tools

Lumerical

RSoft

Tidy3D

Job description

Location: Santa Clara, California
Salary: $160,000-$180,000 USD
Working Arrangement: Full-time, on-site

About the Opportunity

My client is an established technology and engineering organisation developing advanced solutions across photonics, semiconductors and next-generation communications.

They are seeking a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Researcher to join their specialist R&D team, contributing to the research, design and development of innovative integrated photonic technologies.

This is an opportunity to work on advanced technical projects, taking concepts from theoretical research through simulation, design and experimental validation, with the potential to influence future commercial technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate emerging integrated photonic technologies and applications.

• Develop and optimise PIC designs through theoretical analysis and simulation.

• Perform photonic device modelling, layout and component characterisation.

• Develop and implement innovative optical measurement techniques.

• Conduct hands-on testing and validation of passive and active photonic devices.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop practical solutions.

• Support the transition of research concepts into commercial products.

Requirements

• PhD in Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.

• Strong understanding of integrated photonics and optical waveguide theory.

• Practical experience in PIC design, simulation and layout.

• Hands-on experience with photonic component testing and characterisation.

• Familiarity with optical and electrical probing at die or wafer level.

• Experience using industry-standard photonic simulation tools such as Lumerical, RSoft or Tidy3D.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary R&D environment.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with PIC foundry processes and tape-outs.

• Script-based PIC design and layout.

• RF/microwave simulation or circuit-level modelling.

• Photonic or electronic packaging.

• Python-based laboratory automation, instrumentation and data acquisition.

Additional Information

This is an on-site opportunity based in Santa Clara, California. Relocation assistance is available for suitable candidates.