Senior Photonics Laser Designer - DFB & Silicon ICs

Intel; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 312,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Stock bonuses

Health benefits

Vacation

Job summary

Intel in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Senior Laser Designer to develop and optimize DFB lasers for silicon photonics used in data centers and AI applications.

You will design, simulate, and validate photonic components, lead test chip execution, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, high-speed optical links.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience OR PhD with 4+ years in industry.
• Extensive experience designing and simulating DFB lasers including InP epi design.
• Industrial experience taking DFB laser designs through product qualification.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize DFB lasers for high-speed optical comms.
• Perform tolerance analysis to enhance performance, power, and reliability.
• Lead test chip execution: layout, tapeout, validation, data analysis.
• Develop photonic modeling methods and testing approaches.
• Research emerging photonic tech for next-gen architectures and IP development.

Skills

DFB laser design & simulation

Statistical data analysis

Matlab programming

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field

PhD in a related field

Tools

Cadence

KLayout

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Job Details

Job Description:

The world is transforming - and so is Intel. Intel is a company of bold and curious inventors and problem solvers who create some of the most astounding technology advancements and experiences in the world. With a legacy of relentless innovation and a commitment to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth, our diverse and brilliant teams are continually searching for tomorrow's technology and revel in the challenge that changing the world for the better brings. We work every single day to design and manufacture silicon products that empower people's digital lives.

The Role and Impact

As a Senior Laser Designer, you will play a pivotal role in developing advanced photonics components and integrating them into Silicon Photonic circuits to drive next-generation optical communication solutions. Your daily responsibilities will include designing, simulating, and optimizing DFB lasers while advancing methodologies for performance validation and reliability testing. Your contributions will have a direct impact on Intel's ability to deliver cutting-edge technology in data centers and AI applications.

Business Group

Intel's Integrated Photonics Solutions (IPS) team leads the industry in silicon photonics integration, focusing on scalable high-volume manufacturing and delivering transformative bandwidth and speed for data centers. As part of this innovative group, you will help design and develop photonics components that support Intel's broader commitment to driving technological advancements and enabling future growth in optical communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize DFB lasers for high-speed optical communication applications.
• Perform tolerance analysis to enhance device performance, power efficiency, and reliability.
• Lead test chip execution, including design layout, tapeout, validation, and data analysis.
• Develop and refine photonic modeling methodologies and propose new testing approaches.
• Conduct research in emerging photonic technologies to define next-generation architectures and initiate intellectual property development programs.
• Analyze test data from component characterizations to identify performance gaps and implement improvement strategies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of photonics components into system-level designs.
  
  

Qualifications

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates. Experience listed below would be obtained through a combination of your degree, research and or relevant previous job and or internship experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience OR Ph.D. with 4+ years of industry expertise.
• Extensive experience in designing and simulating DFB lasers including InP epi design.
• Industrial experience developing DFB lases in high volume manufacturing, including taking designs through product qualification.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Project leadership experience.
• Expertise in analyzing photonic component or integrated circuit (PIC) test data using statistical tools such as JMP or data libraries in MATLAB/Python.
• Matlab programing experience
• Familiarity with industry-standard layout tools like Cadence and KLayout for component design and test chip execution.
• System-level modeling expertise for optimizing optical link performance and scalability.
• Published research in peer-reviewed journals focused on photonics technologies.
  
  

We are seeking driven innovators passionate about shaping the future of photonics technology. If you are excited to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in silicon photonics, we encourage you to apply and explore the opportunity to join our team.

Job Type

Experienced Hire

Shift

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location:

US, California, Santa Clara

Additional Locations:

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Position of Trust

N/A

Benefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $164,470.00 - 311,890.00 USD

The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.