Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer

Raytheon; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 118,300 - 224,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation eligibility

Job summary

Raytheon is seeking a Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer in San Diego to lead design, modeling, layout, post-fabrication assembly, and benchtop testing of RF PIC devices and subsystems for Advanced Technology programs.

You will collaborate with senior engineers across disciplines to advance hybrid electronic-photonics components, with a STEM degree and 8+ years of experience. U.S. government security clearance eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree with 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in designing integrated photonic circuits and/or photonic chips.
• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Physics, Optics, Photonics, Circuits, or related fields preferred.
• Hands-on experience with Silicon photonics platforms and integrated photonics technologies.
• Familiarity with foundry-based fabrication processes and constraints.
• Proficiency in photonic design and simulation tools (Ansys Lumerical, Synopsys Optocompiler, KLayout).
• Experience in developing and executing test plans for integrated photonic devices and subsystems.
• Strong communication skills in verbal, written, and presentation formats.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and contribute to design, simulation/modeling, and layout of integrated photonic components in foundry environments.
• Contribute to post-fabrication post-processing/assembly, test setup, and benchtop test of photonic components and systems.
• Conduct architectural trade studies on wideband RF and hybrid electronic-photonic components.
• Contribute to white papers and proposals, and IRAD projects for hybrid photonics.
• Be accountable for technical decisions.
• Communicate and collaborate with PM, Technical Leadership, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Customers.

Skills

Photonic design

Communication skills

Education

MS/PhD in Physics/Optics/Photonic

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

Synopsys Optocompiler

KLayout

Job description

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

Date Posted: 2026-07-06

Country: United States of America

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 is seeking a talented and motivated Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer to join our Surface Radars and Sensors Center within the Systems 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

Salary range for this role is $118,300 - $224,900 USD.

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.

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.