Senior Photonics Engineer

Rydberg Technologies; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rydberg Technologies in Ann Arbor, MI, is seeking a Senior Photonics Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced lasers and photonic systems for atomic quantum technologies.

You will collaborate with a dynamic team of physicists and engineers to design and build photonic devices for quantum sensing, communications, and measurement systems, with emphasis on packaging, alignment, and system performance.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, or a related field.
• Extensive hands-on experience with narrow-linewidth laser development.
• Proficient in Ansys Lumerical, GDSFactory, MATLAB, Python, and SolidWorks.
• Demonstrated PIC design, layout, and foundry tapeouts (SiN, SOI).
• Expertise in laser stabilization, bonding/alignment, and thermal‑mechanical design.
• US citizenship or permanent residency may be required.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Prototype Development – Lead the end‑to‑end design, simulation, and development of integrated photonic systems and laser subsystems, including waveguides, microrings, couplers, Sagnac mirrors, Bragg structures, and tapers.
• Simulation & Modeling – Perform device‑level and system‑level simulations using Lumerical MODE, FDTD, INTERCONNECT, HEAT/DEVICE, and GDSFactory. Conduct thermo‑optic and electro‑optic analysis and verification.
• Tapeout & Fabrication – Drive tapeout processes with commercial silicon photonics foundries. Manage GDSII layout preparation and validation using PDKs and oversee fabrication runs.
• System Integration – Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and thermal engineers to integrate photonic systems into complete atomic and quantum platforms. Ensure stable packaging, alignment, and optical performance.
• Characterization & Testing – Design and execute optical test procedures. Use MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, and other tools for real‑time data acquisition, analysis, and iterative design refinement.
• Mentorship & Leadership – Mentor junior engineers and support technicians. Contribute to team skill development and project execution best practices.

Skills

Narrow-linewidth laser development

Photonic system integration

PIC design & integration

Strong communication & collaboration

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Photonics / Optics / Electrical Engineering

Publications or patents (advantage)

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

GDSFactory

MATLAB

Python

SolidWorks

Job description

Rydberg Technologies is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Photonics Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced lasers and photonic systems for next-generation atomic quantum technologies. This hands‑on engineering role is ideal for a candidate passionate about photonics innovation and ready to work at the intersection of physics, optics, and system integration.

You will collaborate with a dynamic team of physicists and engineers to design and build photonic devices, including narrow-linewidth lasers and integrated photonic systems, with applications in quantum sensing, communications, and measurement systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Prototype Development – Lead the end‑to‑end design, simulation, and development of integrated photonic systems and laser subsystems, including waveguides, microrings, couplers, Sagnac mirrors, Bragg structures, and tapers.
• Simulation & Modeling – Perform device‑level and system‑level simulations using Lumerical MODE, FDTD, INTERCONNECT, HEAT/DEVICE, and GDSFactory. Conduct thermo‑optic and electro‑optic analysis and verification.
• Tapeout & Fabrication – Drive tapeout processes with commercial silicon photonics foundries. Manage GDSII layout preparation and validation using PDKs and oversee fabrication runs.
• System Integration – Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and thermal engineers to integrate photonic systems into complete atomic and quantum platforms. Ensure stable packaging, alignment, and optical performance.
• Characterization & Testing – Design and execute optical test procedures. Use MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, and other tools for real‑time data acquisition, analysis, and iterative design refinement.
• Research & Innovation – Monitor advances in PIC technologies, frequency stabilization, and heterogeneously integrated lasers. Drive internal innovation and contribute to strategic R&D planning.
• Documentation & Reporting – Produce clear and thorough documentation including design specs, simulation reports, testing results, and fabrication protocols.
• Mentorship & Leadership – Mentor junior engineers and support technicians. Contribute to team skill development and project execution best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with narrow‑linewidth laser development and photonic system integration.
• Proficient in Ansys Lumerical, GDSFactory, MATLAB, Python, and SolidWorks.
• Demonstrated experience with PIC design, layout, and foundry tapeouts (SiN, SOI, etc.).
• Expertise in laser stabilization, diode/fiber coupling, bonding/alignment, and integrated thermal‑mechanical design.
• Familiarity with PDK‑based workflows and semiconductor fabrication.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency may be required.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with ultra‑stable optical cavities, frequency combs, THz systems, or opto‑electronic packaging.
• Background in microfabrication, cleanroom processes, or MEMS.
• Experience with RF and electronic integration.
• Track record of publications, patents, or conference presentations in photonics or quantum engineering.
• Project management and leadership experience.

About Rydberg Technologies

Rydberg Technologies Inc. is a pioneer in atomic quantum sensor technology, advancing novel systems for government, commercial, and scientific applications. We develop next‑generation Rydberg atom‑based sensors, quantum communications systems, and photonic subsystems that power the future of quantum technologies. We are a fast‑moving, innovation‑driven company that values initiative, precision, and scientific excellence. Join us in building photonic systems that redefine what’s possible.