Senior Photonics Design Engineer - SOA

OpenLight; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenLight in San Francisco is seeking an engineer to develop and integrate Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs) within a silicon-III-V photonics platform. You will design, simulate, and model devices, define characterization plans, and build compact models for the PDK.

The role requires hands-on III-V photonic device experience, Python scripting, and collaboration with PIC, RF, process, and reliability teams to meet high-speed, high-power specifications.

Qualifications

• Academic degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Material Science, Applied Physics or related discipline.
• 1+ years of relevant professional experience after degree.
• Hands-on knowledge of III-V photonic devices, especially amplifiers.
• Knowledge of photonics simulation techniques (EME, FDTD) and design/modelling software (Lumerical, Rsoft or Photon Design).
• Understanding of integrated photonics and Si/III-V processing.
• Proficiency in Python scripting.
• Understanding of datacom and LiDAR device requirements.
• Experience with photonic device characterization; RF measurement is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate SOAs and other optoelectronic components and run development cycles.
• Define device CAD layouts in collaboration with process and layout teams.
• Develop compact models for III-V devices in OpenLight’s SiPh PDK.
• Collaborate with process engineers to optimize device structures and processes.
• Work with test engineering to define scope and requirements for wafer and die tests.
• Coordinate with reliability engineers to define qualification strategies and analyze device failures.
• Partner with PIC and system architects to validate performance against specs.

Skills

III-V photonic devices

Python scripting

Photonic device characterization

Problem-solving & communication

High-speed RF measurement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Material Science, Applied Physics

Tools

Lumerical

Rsoft

Photon Design

Job description

As part of OpenLight’s Silicon Photonics (SiPh) team, you will be responsible for the development, design, and integration of Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs) in OpenLight’s heterogeneous silicon-IIIV photonic platform.

You’ll work on device design, defining characterization and validation, and building compact models for OpenLight’s PDK, using your knowledge of III-V opto-electronic device theory, data analysis, and optical modeling. You'll also work cross-functionally with PIC architects, RF, process, layout, test and reliability engineers to define, design, integrate and validate high-power and high-speed optoelectronic devices using OpenLight’s SiPh technology.

What You Will Do

• Design and simulate SOAs and other optoelectronic components, and execute development runs
• Define device CAD layouts in close collaboration with process and layout engineers
• Develop compact models for III-V devices in OpenLight’s SiPh PDK
• Work with process engineers to define and optimize the device structures and processes
• Work closely with test engineering to define the test scope and requirements for devices on both wafer and die levels
• Work with reliability engineering to define qualification and reliability strategy, and perform device centric failure analysis in close collaboration with process and reliability engineers
• Work closely with PIC and system architects to validate device performance versus specifications
• Academic Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Material Science, Applied Physics or related discipline
• 1+ years of relevant professional experience after degree
• Strong hands‑on knowledge of III-V photonic devices in particular amplifiers
• Knowledge of photonics simulation techniques (EME, FDTD) and hands‑on experience with commercial design and modelling software (Lumerical, Rsoft, Photon Design or similar)
• Good understanding of integrated photonics and semiconductor Si and III‑V processing
• Proficiency in programming with scripting languages, preferably Python
• Understanding of opto‑electronic device requirements for datacom and LiDAR applications
• Hands‑on experience with photonic device characterization. High-speed RF measurement is a plus, but not required
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, organizational, interpersonal and presentation skills

About OpenLight

OpenLight is growing as customer adoption and industry momentum continue to accelerate. The rapid growth of AI and cloud infrastructure is driving unprecedented demand for faster, more energy‑efficient optical connectivity. We are addressing this challenge through a platform approach that simplifies the development of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and accelerates industry adoption.

OpenLight continues with a hybrid schedule, with a standard of three days/week in office; you select the days you're in, based on what's best for your work priorities.

OpenLight's salary for technical roles is dependent on the skills and experience of the individual, their primary work location, and other parameters; annual salary will generally be somewhere between $120,000-$265,000. In addition to cash compensation, OpenLight offers incentive stock options (ISOs), generous insurance support, 401k matching, unlimited vacation, spot bonuses, and a positive work environment. If you are excited about solving challenging problems, advancing cutting‑edge technology, and working with a highly collaborative team, we would love to hear from you.