Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Relocation assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

RTX, through its Surface Radars and Sensors Center, is seeking a Principal Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer in San Diego. You will design, model, layout, and test RF photonics components and subsystems for advanced technology programs, collaborating with senior engineers across disciplines.

The role requires a STEM degree with extensive experience in photonic circuits, silicon photonics platforms, and packaging technologies, plus proficiency with leading design tools.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 components and subsystems.
• Conduct architectural trade studies on wideband RF and hybrid electronic-photonics components and subsystems.
• Contribute to technical volume for white papers and proposals, including IRAD projects.
• Be accountable for technical decisions.
• Communicate with Program Management, Technical Leadership, Engineering, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Customers.

Skills

Photonic design

Simulation/modeling

Test planning

Team collaboration

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree preferred (MS/PhD)

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 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‑photonics 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

• 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.

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

• The salary range for this role is 118,300 USD - 224,900 USD.
• Relocation Eligibility– Relocation assistance available.
• 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.
• Privacy Policy and Terms: RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.