Senior High-Speed Photonic Design Engineer

taaraconnect; United States; Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Taara is seeking a Senior High-Speed Photonic Design Engineer to work on next-generation photonic and electronic integrated modules as part of the R&D team developing cutting-edge wireless optical communication systems based on integrated optical phased arrays.

The successful candidate will own photonic transmitter and receiver architecture, high-speed photonic modulator and detector design, and RF/microwave transmission line design within the very-large-scale photonic integrated circuits (PICs)

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in EE, Applied Physics, Materials Science or related field.
• 5+ years of photonic design experience with demonstrated achievements.
• Expertise in high-speed photonic modulator and detector design.
• Expertise in RF/microwave design.
• Experience with optical modulation formats and photonic link modeling.
• Tapeouts at commercial foundries.

Responsibilities

• Own photonic transmitter and receiver architectures.
• Design high-speed modulators and detectors.
• Develop RF/microwave transmission lines for PICs.
• Contribute to system-level optimization and product strategy.

Skills

Photonic design

RF/microwave design

Modulator design

Detector design

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

HFSS

ADS

Lumerical

VPIphotonics

Lumerical Interconnect

Job description

About the Team

Born at X, Google's Moonshot Factory, Taara is on a mission to connect billions of people who lack abundant and affordable internet by pioneering high-throughput, long-range free-space optical communication (FSOC). Our links use eye-safe lasers propagating between two terminals to transmit high-speed data wirelessly. Lead the charge in bringing our groundbreaking wireless optical communication to the world. Join us to light the way toward bridging the digital divide and illuminating the future.

About the Role

Taara is seeking a Senior High-Speed Photonic Design Engineer to work on next-generation photonic and electronic integrated modules as part of the R&D team developing cutting-edge wireless optical communication systems based on integrated optical phased arrays.

The successful candidate will own photonic transmitter and receiver architecture, high-speed photonic modulator and detector design, and RF/microwave transmission line design within the very-large-scale photonic integrated circuits (PICs) designed at Taara. The role requires deep expertise in 35-70 GHz RF and photonic designs - including demonstrated design and layout ownership on commercial foundry tapeouts - and extensive experience with the intricacies of modulation formats and communication link budgets.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys working in a small, dynamic team environment, and has a passion for solving challenging problems that lead to high-impact technological advances.

How you will make 10x impact

• Own and deliver record-breaking high-speed photonic integrated circuit designs.
• Contribute to system-level optimization and product strategy.
• Demonstrate a strong motivation to make the world a better place through technology and a desire to be part of the team making this happen.

What you should have

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of relevant industry experience with demonstrated achievements in photonic circuit designs.
• Extensive expertise in high-speed photonic modulator and detector design.
• Extensive expertise in RF/microwave design.
• Expertise in the intricacies of optical modulation formats and photonic link modeling.
• Experience with RF/microwave design software (HFSS, ADS or equivalent).
• Experience with photonic device simulation software (Lumerical or equivalent).
• Experience with optical link simulation software (VPIphotonics, Lumerical Interconnect, or equivalent).
• Hands‑on experience with multiple tapeouts at commercial foundries.

It would be great if you also had these:

• Experience in photonic spectral filter design.
• Experience with Python, Git, and gdsfactory.
• Experience with DesignRuleChecks (DRC) and Layout Versus Schematic (LVS).
• Experience with commercial layout verification software (Calibre or equivalent).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior external partners.
• Hands‑on experience with advancing a product from the prototype phase to the final production stage.

Hybrid/Onsite in Sunnyvale, CA is preferred. Remote can be considered as well. Relocation can be provided. The US salary range for this full-time position is $220,000 - $270,000 (inclusive of bonus at target) + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.