Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible spending accounts

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Prattwhitney is seeking a Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer for its Surface Radars and Sensors Center in San Diego, California. The role requires expertise in integrated photonic circuit design and mandates a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, along with at least 8 years of relevant experience.

Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree and familiarity with Silicon photonics platforms. Enjoy a competitive salary up to 224,900 USD, along with benefits like health insurance, 401(k) matching, and flexible work schedules.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience designing integrated photonic circuits and/or photonic chips.
• In-depth understanding of foundry-based fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and contribute to design and layout of integrated photonic components.
• Conduct trade studies on wideband RF and hybrid electronic-photonic systems.
• Contribute to the technical volume for white papers and proposals.

Skills

Designing integrated photonic circuits

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in related fields

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

Synopsys Optocompiler

KLayout

Job description

Position Overview

Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer – Surface Radars and Sensors Center, Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SETC) Discipline, Advanced Technology Program.

Location & Role Type

San Diego, California. Onsite.

Security Clearance

U.S. citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and contribute to design, modeling, and layout of integrated photonic components in foundry-based fabrication.
• Contribute to post‑fabrication processing, assembly, test setup, and benchtop testing of integrated photonic components, subsystems, and systems.
• Conduct architectural trade studies on wideband RF and hybrid electronic‑photonic systems.
• Contribute to the technical volume for white papers, proposals, and IRAD projects.
• Be accountable for technical decisions and communicate with Program Management, Technical Leadership, Engineering Leadership, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Customers.

Qualifications

Mandatory:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
• At least 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience designing integrated photonic circuits and/or photonic chips.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Physics, Optics, Photonics, Circuits, Signal Processing, or related fields.
• Hands‑on experience with Silicon photonics platforms (Silicon, Silicon Nitride, compound semiconductors).
• In‑depth understanding of foundry‑based fabrication processes and constraints.
• Proficiency with photonic design and simulation tools (Ansys Lumerical, Synopsys Optocompiler, KLayout, etc.).
• Experience developing and executing test plans for integrated photonic devices and subsystems.
• Familiarity with microelectronic and photonic IC packaging technologies.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills; proactive problem‑solving and collaborative team experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from 118,300 USD to 224,900 USD.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
• 401(k) matching.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.
• Annual incentive compensation programs (subject to eligibility).
• Relocation assistance available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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, veteran status, or any other 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.