Senior Photonics Device Architect—Co-Packaged Optics

Ayar Labs; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ayar Labs, San Jose, CA, is seeking a Sr. Staff Engineer to own the photonic device layer of its co-packaged optics solution. You will define device targets, assess process feasibility, and drive development from simulation to high-volume manufacturing.

You will collaborate across system, laser, packaging, firmware, and circuit teams, shaping the design and analysis tools, verification frameworks, and production readiness. This is a hands-on leadership role in a dynamic photonics organization.

Qualifications

• BS or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of commercial experience in silicon photonics or integrated photonic device design.
• Deep understanding of photonic device physics: modulators, detectors, gratings, couplers, micro-ring resonators.
• Proficiency with simulation and design tools for passive and active optical devices (e.g., FDTD, charge transport simulation).
• Strong Python skills; ability to write well-structured code and extend a shared codebase.
• Track record of taking opto-electronic components from design through manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Own the device roadmap for integrated photonic components.
• Engage with Taiwan foundry ecosystem to push process capability.
• Architect and extend design/analysis tools, including automation and verification frameworks.
• Lead device-level debug, failure analysis, and yield investigations.
• Collaborate across system, laser, packaging, firmware, and circuit teams to align the device layer with overall product requirements.

Skills

Python programming

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Optical Eng

MS/PhD in integrated photonics

Tools

FDTD

VNA

BERT

Charge transport simulation

Job description

Ayar Labs, San Jose, CA, is seeking a Sr. Staff Engineer to own the photonic device layer of its co-packaged optics solution. You will define device targets, assess process feasibility, and drive development from simulation to high-volume manufacturing.

You will collaborate across system, laser, packaging, firmware, and circuit teams, shaping the design and analysis tools, verification frameworks, and production readiness. This is a hands-on leadership role in a dynamic photonics organization.