Senior Simulation Engineer (Optical & Photonics)
Ignite Human Capital
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Job summary
Ignite Human Capital is recruiting a Senior Simulation Engineer for Optical & Photonics in Temecula, CA. The role focuses on high-fidelity modeling, virtual prototyping, and integration of III-V and Silicon photonics devices and PICs.
You will lead multi-physics simulations, optimize RF performance for high-speed modulators, and collaborate with fabrication teams to translate results into manufacturable designs. 10+ years in photonics required.
Qualifications
- MS/PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or related field with photonics focus.
- 10+ years of industrial photonics simulation and design experience.
- Proven track record from concept to fabrication of photonic devices.
- Experience with multi-physics modeling and model validation.
- Experience with in-house foundry environments is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Design, model, and simulate III-V and Silicon photonics devices and PICs.
- Develop high-fidelity models for active and passive components.
- Lead multi-physics simulations combining optical, electrical and thermal models.
- Optimize RF performance for high-speed modulators and conversion efficiency.
- Translate simulation results into manufacturable device layouts.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Temecula, CA | Full-Time
The Senior Simulation Engineer -- Optical & Photonics is a highly technical engineering role responsible for the high-fidelity modeling, simulation, and virtual prototyping of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This individual will design and optimize high-performance III-V and Silicon Photonics devices, including lasers, modulators, photodetectors, and passive optical components.
Working closely with device designers, fabrication teams, and an in-house foundry, this role serves as a critical bridge between theoretical modeling and physical device implementation. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in computational photonics, semiconductor physics, multi-physics simulation, and the development of photonic products from concept through manufacturing.
- Design, model, and simulate advanced III-V and Silicon Photonics devices and photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
- Develop high-fidelity models for active and passive components, including DFB/DBR lasers, SOAs, EAM/MZM modulators, UTC photodiodes, optical couplers, WDM devices, and 90-degree hybrids
- Lead multi-physics simulations combining optical, electrical, and thermal models, including analysis of self-heating and other device-performance effects
- Optimize RF performance for high-speed modulators and optical-electrical conversion efficiency
- Optimize epitaxy layers, quantum well designs, optical modes, and impedance matching across heterogeneous material interfaces
- Model and optimize III-V and Silicon heterogeneous integration for next-generation photonic devices
- Partner directly with internal fabrication and device-design teams to translate simulation results into actionable device layouts
- Support HPIC layouts, process design rules, DRC (Design Rule Check), and LVS (Layout Versus Schematic) activities to ensure tapeout accuracy
- Execute virtual Design of Experiments (DOE) to predict device performance, reliability, and manufacturing behavior
- Validate simulation results against internal laboratory characterization data and refine models and material parameters based on measured performance
- Develop automated simulation and data-analysis workflows using Python and/or MATLAB
- Analyze large technical datasets and use statistical methods to identify trends, optimize performance, and communicate results
- Troubleshoot discrepancies between simulated and measured device performance and recommend design or process improvements
- Present complex technical findings, design trade-offs, and recommendations to engineering teams, leadership, and customers
- Deep expertise in Silicon Photonics, III-V photonics, photonic integrated circuits, and semiconductor device modeling
- Expert-level proficiency with Ansys Lumerical, including FDTD, MODE, DEVICE, and INTERCONNECT
- Experience with photonics simulation platforms such as Synopsys RSoft/OptSim and Zemax/Speos
- Experience with RF and electromagnetic simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS, or CST Microwave Studio
- Advanced proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for simulation automation, modeling, and large-scale data analysis
- Strong understanding of semiconductor physics, including bandgap engineering, carrier dynamics, recombination mechanisms, band structures, and quantum well design
- Experience modeling optical, electrical, thermal, and RF interactions in high-performance photonic devices
- Strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication and how epitaxy growth, etching profiles, and metallization affect optical and electrical device performance
- Familiarity with fiber coupling, optical packaging, and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO)
- Experience with DRC, LVS, process design rules, and tapeout processes
- Experience using statistical analysis tools such as JMP or Minitab is preferred
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, particularly in identifying and resolving discrepancies between modeled and measured performance
- Excellent technical communication skills with the ability to explain complex engineering trade-offs to technical teams, leadership, and customers
- Proven ability to collaborate across device design, fabrication, characterization, and manufacturing teams
Minimum Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline with an emphasis on computational photonics
- 10+ years of industrial experience in photonics simulation and design
- Extensive hands-on experience with III-V and Silicon Photonics device modeling
- Proven track record of bringing photonic or semiconductor products from concept and simulation through fabrication and manufacturing
- Significant experience with active and passive photonic device simulation, multi-physics modeling, and model validation
- Experience working directly with semiconductor fabrication or an in-house foundry environment strongly preferred
- Demonstrated experience translating simulation results into manufacturable device designs
- Full-time position in a temperature-controlled office and laboratory environment
- Re-
- Expected travel is less than 25%
- Position is based at a facility operating under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
- Applicants must qualify as a "U.S. person" under ITAR, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders), political asylees, and refugees
- Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
- Comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k)
- Company-paid life insurance
- Company-paid disability coverage
- Paid holidays and vacation
- Birthday leave
- Gym membership discounts
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