Senior Applications Engineer - Silicon Photonics

ST; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 173,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

STMicroelectronics in Santa Clara seeks a Senior Applications Engineer focused on Design Enablement for Silicon Photonics. You will bridge customer needs with ST process teams, enabling high‑speed optical interconnects for AI data centers.

The role emphasizes training foundry design teams, supporting PDK/IP deliveries for simulation and layout, and advancing reference designs. You’ll stay current with industry trends in SiPh and SiGe BiCMOS, driving design success.

Qualifications

• Experience with photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and waveguides.
• Knowledge of high-speed RF interfaces and SiGe BiCMOS physics.
• Background in CIS or image sensor technologies is valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide training and onboarding to ramp-up foundry design teams on ST process platforms.
• Provide timely and effective support to technical issues regarding PDK and IP/library deliveries for simulation, layout, extraction, reliability.
• Enhance PDK documentation and develop application notes and best practices.
• Lead regular technical calls with customer and internal teams to ensure smooth design program execution.
• Participate in definition of photonic/electronic reference designs and proof-of-concept builds.
• Stay updated with industry trends in semiconductor/photonics and apply learnings to PDK/IP/library development.

Skills

Silicon Photonics

RF/SiGe BiCMOS

PIC design

CIS background

Education

BSEE (12+ years)

MSEE or PhD (6+ years)

Job description

# Senior Applications Engineer - Silicon PhotonicsSanta Clara, United StatesID: 12306---## Job description**OUR STORY****At STMicroelectronics, we believe in the power of technology to drive innovation and make a positive impact on people, businesses, and society. As a global semiconductor company, our advanced technologies and chips form the hidden foundation of the world we live in today.****When you join ST, you will be part of a global business with more than 115 nationalities, present in 40 countries, and comprising over 50,000 diverse and dedicated creators and makers of technology around the world.****Developing technologies takes more than talent: it takes amazing people who understand collaboration and respect. People with passion and the desire to disrupt the status quo, drive innovation, and unlock their own potential.****Embark on a journey with us, where you can innovate for a future that we want to make smarter and greener, in a responsible and sustainable way. Our technology starts with you.**As a **Senior Applications Engineer** with a focus on **Design Enablement,** you will be a key enabler of the next generation of AI infrastructure. You will support customers designing high-speed optical interconnects that power massive GPU clusters and hyperscale data centers. This role is critical for the industry's expanded focus on **Pluggable Optics** as well as transition to advanced **Co-Packaged Optics (CPO)**, which are essential for connectivity in AI Data Centers.In this role, you will act as the main technical bridge between ST’s foundry customers designing EIC and PIC components for 1.6T, 3.2T and higher data rate optical engines using ST’s Silicon Photonics, SiGe BiCMOS , Advanced Packaging and other related process technologies.The candidate will collaborate with customers’ design and operations teams along with ST’s internal marketing, sales, business unit, foundry and central R&D teams.This is an excellent opportunity for engineers with background and experience in design of RF, photonic IC(s) or image sensors to make an impact in a customer-facing and highly visible facing role. **Job Responsibilities**Provide training and on-boarding to ramp-up up foundry customers’ design teams on ST process platforms* Provide timely and effective support to technical issues or customer questions regarding ST PDK and IP/library deliveries for simulation, layout, extraction, reliability.* Enhance PDK documentation, develop application notes and best practices to be shared with customer(s) and internal teams.* Lead regular (Weekly, bi-weekly, quarterly) technical calls with customer and internal teams to ensure smooth execution of assigned design programs from inception to product tape-out, delivery of engineering samples and production ramp-up.* Participate in definition of photonic/electronic reference designs, proof-of-concept board/system builds.* Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in semiconductor/photonics technology to incorporate best practices into PDK/IP/libraries development.**Required Qualifications:**We are looking for candidates who understand the intersection of light and silicon with product development or applications expertise in at least one of the following:* BSEE 12+ years of experience OR MSEE or PHD 6+ exp* **Silicon Photonics** (SiPh): Direct experience with PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) design, waveguide theory, and integrated lasers/modulators.* **High-Speed RF / SiGe BiCMOS**: Expertise in 100G/200G+ per-lane electrical interfaces, TIAs, and drivers. Understanding of SiGe HBT physics for ultra-high-speed signaling.* **CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) R&D**: We strongly value candidates from a CIS background. Your experience with pixel-level nanophotonics, complex optical stacks, and non-Manhattan layouts translates effectively to the challenges of managing light in silicon waveguides.**Additional Qualifications**:* Working knowledge of data center architectures, interconnect technologies, optical transceivers.At STMicroelectronics, base salary is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range depending on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. The base annual salary range for this role is between $ 173,100 to 216,400 USD.ST is proud to be one of the 17 companies certified as a 2025 Global Top Employer and the first and only semiconductor company to achieve this distinction. ST was recognized in this ranking thanks to its continuous improvement approach and stands out particularly in the areas of ethics & integrity, purpose & values, organization & change, business strategy, and performance.At ST, we endeavor to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we do not tolerate discrimination. We aim to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the societies around us. We strive for equity in career development, career opportunities, and equal remuneration. We encourage candidates who may not meet every single requirement to apply, as we appreciate diverse perspectives and provide opportunities for growth and learning. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is woven into our company culture.