Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer

RTX; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance available

Job summary

RTX is seeking a Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer in San Diego to lead design, modeling, and layout of RF photonic devices. You will collaborate across disciplines, guide post-fabrication testing, and contribute to strategic white papers and IRAD efforts.

The role requires 8+ years in photonic design, hands-on Silicon photonics experience, and strong communication skills. This onsite position offers relocation assistance and a competitive salary range.

Qualifications

• Requires STEM degree with 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience designing integrated photonic circuits or photonic chips.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and contribute to design, simulation/modeling, and layout of integrated photonic components in foundry-based fabrication environment.
• Assist post-fabrication processing, assembly, test setup, and benchtop testing of photonic components and subsystems with senior leadership.
• Perform architectural trade studies on wideband RF and hybrid electronic-photonic subsystems.
• Support technical volume creation for white papers and IRAD projects for hybrid electronic-photonic components.
• Own technical decisions and communicate with PM, leadership, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers.

Skills

Integrated photonics design

Post-fabrication testing

System collaboration

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's in STEM

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

Synopsys Optocompiler

KLayout

Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-06

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-CA-SAN DIEGO-15110 ~ 15110 Ave of Science ~ SCIENCE, Ste 200

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

Raytheon isseekinga talented and motivatedPrincipal Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer to join ourSurface Radars and Sensors Centerwithin theSystems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SETC) Discipline, supporting Advanced Technology (AT) Programs. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, modeling, layout, post-fabrication assembly, sub-system assembly, and benchtop test of RF integrated photonics (PIC) devices/components, subsystems, and systems in support of research and development programs. You will collaborate with senior engineers across technical disciplines within Raytheon programs.

What You Will Do

• Initiate and contribute to the design, simulation/modeling, and layout of integrated photonic components in foundry-based fabrication environment.

• Contribute to post-fabrication post-processing/assembly, test setup, and benchtop test of integrated photonic components, subsystems, and systems in coordination with senior technical and program leadership.

• Conduct architectural trade studies on various systems and sub-systems related to wideband RF and hybrid electronic-photonic components and sub-systems.

• Contribute to the technical volume for white papers and proposals, as well as contribute to independent research and development (IRAD) projects for the advancement of hybrid electronic-photonics components and sub-systems.

• Be accountable for technical decisions.

• Communicate and collaborate with Program Management and Technical Leadership, Engineering Leadership, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Customers.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and 8 years of prior relevant experience.

• Experience in designing integrated photonic circuits and/or photonic chips.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Physics, Optics, Photonics, Circuits, Signal Processing, or related engineering fields.

• Hands-on experience with Silicon photonics platforms and integrated photonics technologies (Silicon, Silicon Nitride, and/or compound semiconductors).

• In-depth understanding of foundry-based fabrication processes and constraints impacting integrated photonic device performance.

• Proficiency in photonic design and simulation tools (e.g., Ansys Lumerical, Synopsys Optocompiler, KLayout, etc.).

• Experience in developing and executing test plans for integrated photonic devices and subsystems.

• Familiarity with microelectronic and photonic integrated circuit packaging technologies.

• Strong communication skills in verbal, written, and presentation formats.

• Demonstrated proactive problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

What We Offer

• Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

• Relocation Eligibility– Relocation assistance available

_ As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attendselect steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote. _

The salary range for this role is 118,300 USD - 224,900 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.