Senior Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Langham Recruitment; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Stock options

Benefits

Job summary

Langham Recruitment is seeking a Senior Silicon Photonics Design Engineer in San Francisco to design, simulate, and optimise silicon photonic devices and PICs. You will collaborate with partners through tape-out cycles, conduct testing, and analyse data to drive improvements.

The role requires a PhD and practical experience with photonic modelling, PDk familiarity, and device testing. Competitive compensation includes bonus and equity options in a fast-growing optics company.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in silicon photonics device design and development.
• Experience with photonic modelling, simulation, and layout tools.
• Familiarity with semiconductor foundry tape-out processes and photonic design kits (PDKs).
• Strong understanding of silicon photonic components and testing.

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate both passive and active silicon photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits.
• Develop, optimise, and maintain device layouts, supporting full tape-out activities.
• Work closely with fabrication partners throughout the manufacturing and development process.
• Perform device testing, characterisation, and detailed data analysis.
• Identify opportunities for design improvements and contribute to workflow and process optimisation.

Skills

Silicon photonics design

Device modelling

Layout optimisation

Data analysis

Strong communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics or Photonics

Tools

Photonic modelling tools

Simulation software

PDK familiarity

Tape-out processes knowledge

Job description

Salary: $150,000 – $220,000 DOE + Bonus + Equity + Benefits

An innovative technology company at the forefront of advanced optical technologies is seeking a Senior Silicon Photonics Design Engineer to join its expanding engineering team.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation optical communication and networking technologies, with a focus on the design, simulation, layout, and characterisation of silicon photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

Key Responsibilities

• Design and simulate both passive and active silicon photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits.
• Develop, optimise, and maintain device layouts, supporting full tape-out activities.
• Work closely with fabrication partners throughout the manufacturing and development process.
• Perform device testing, characterisation, and detailed data analysis.
• Identify opportunities for design improvements and contribute to workflow and process optimisation.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a closely related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in silicon photonics device design and development.
• Experience using photonic modelling, simulation, and layout tools.
• Familiarity with semiconductor foundry tape-out processes and photonic design kits (PDKs).
• Strong understanding of silicon photonic components, including: Grating couplers, Edge couplers, MMIs, Directional couplers, Polarisation management devices.
• Practical experience with photonic device testing, laboratory characterisation, and performance analysis.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Competitive base salary: $150,000 – $220,000 depending on experience
• Performance bonus
• Stock options / equity participation

Candidates with a range of experience levels will be considered, with scope, responsibilities, and compensation adjusted accordingly.