Senior Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer

Prattwhitney; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 95,500 - 181,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) match

Flexible work schedules

Parental leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Prattwhitney is seeking a Senior Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer in San Diego, CA. The role involves designing and testing integrated photonic components and collaborating across teams. Ideal candidates should have a STEM degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience.

The position offers a competitive salary range from $95,500 to $181,700, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and 401(k) matching.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in integrated photonic design.
• Experience with photonic chips and foundry processes.
• Strong collaborative skills in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, model, and layout integrated photonic components.
• Conduct architectural trade studies on RF and electronic-photonic components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate technical decisions.

Skills

Designing integrated photonic circuits

Hands-on experience with silicon photonics platforms

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)

Advanced degree (MS or PhD)

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

Synopsys OpticCompiler

KLayout

Job description

Senior Photonics Integrated Circuit Design Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-03-27 • Location: San Diego, CA • Role Type: Onsite

Security Clearance: U.S. citizenship required. DoD Secret clearance required (active after day 1).

Responsibilities

• Design, model, and layout integrated photonic components in a foundry-based fabrication environment.
• Execute post‑fabrication assembly, test setup, and benchtop test of components, subsystems, and systems.
• Conduct architectural trade studies on wideband RF and hybrid electronic‑photonic components.
• Contribute technical volumes for white papers, proposals, and independent research and development (IRAD) projects.
• Be accountable for technical decisions; communicate and collaborate with Program Management, Technical Leadership, Engineering Leadership, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Customers.

Qualifications

You Must Have

• Bachelor’s in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience designing integrated photonic circuits and/or photonic chips.

We Prefer

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Physics, Optics, Photonics, Circuits, Signal Processing, or related field.
• Hands‑on experience with silicon photonics platforms and integrated photonics technologies (silicon, silicon nitride, compound semiconductors).
• In‑depth understanding of foundry‑based fabrication processes and constraints.
• Proficiency in photonic design and simulation tools such as Ansys Lumerical, Synopsys OpticCompiler, KLayout.
• Experience executing test plans for integrated photonic devices and subsystems.
• Familiarity with microelectronic and photonic IC packaging technologies.
• Strong communication skills (verbal, written, presentation).
• Proactive problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, 401(k) match.
• Flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program.
• Parental leave, paid time off, holidays.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs (subject to eligibility and company performance).

Salary Range

$95,500 – $181,700 USD (commensurate with experience).

Equal Opportunity Employer

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.