Senior Photonics Design Engineer - SOA

Neara; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 162,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenLight is seeking a Senior Photonics Design Engineer - SOA in Santa Clara/Goleta to lead development, design and integration of semiconductor optical amplifiers within the silicon‑III/V photonic platform.

Design and simulate SOAs, define CAD layouts with process and layout teams, and build compact models for the SiPh PDK while collaborating with PIC architects, RF, process, layout and reliability engineers to meet high‑power, high‑speed specs.

Qualifications

• Academic degree required in EE, materials science or physics.
• 1+ year 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 tools.
• Understanding of datacom/LiDAR device requirements.
• Programming with Python; device characterization experience.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Python programming

III‑V photonic devices

Photonic device characterization

Data analysis

Optoelectronic device theory

Problem solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Scripting

Education

Electrical Eng / Applied Physics degree

Tools

Lumerical

RSoft

Photon Design

EME

FDTD

Job description

Senior Photonics Design Engineer - SOA

Job type: Full Time · Department: Engineering · Work type: Hybrid · USD 162,000-215,000 / year

Santa Clara, California, United States; Goleta, California, United States

The Role

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

Your Background Includes

• 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.

As part of our team, you will contribute to technologies that enable AI and hyperscale data centers, high‑speed optical communications, advanced sensing applications, next‑generation photonic integration, and more. Our team is collaborative and fast‑moving, and you will have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions across technology, operations, and business growth.

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.