Silicon photonics and heterogenous integration R&D engineer

Coherent Corp.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Santa Clara, CA, seeks a PhD-level expert to lead silicon photonics design and heterogeneous integration for advanced datacom and optical I/O platforms. You will model multi-physics behavior, guide prototype verification, and align designs with fabrication constraints.

The role requires hands-on SiP fabrication experience, strong collaboration across R&D teams, and a track record of translating design choices into reliable, manufacturable technologies.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, Materials Science, or related field.
• >7 years of silicon photonics design and integrated photonics R&D experience.
• Hands-on SiP fabrication experience or close collaboration with SiP fabrication teams.
• Experience with heterogeneous integration of non-silicon materials on silicon.
• Experience connecting design choices to optical, electrical, thermal, mechanical reliability and packaging outcomes.
• Experience with simulation, data analysis, DOE, documentation, and R&D decision support using Python, Lumerical, COMSOL, JMP, Excel.

Responsibilities

• Develop silicon photonics and heterogeneously integrated device and circuit concepts for datacom and optical I/O.
• Model optical, electrical, thermal, and link-level behavior to guide design choices before prototype builds.
• Define prototype verification objectives and use early trial results to refine designs.
• Apply process-integration awareness to keep designs compatible with fabrication, test, and metrology constraints.
• Evaluate heterogeneous integration options to improve performance or functionality.

Job description

Job Description

• Develop silicon photonics and heterogeneously integrated device and circuit concepts for datacom, optical I/O, and related platforms.
• Model optical, electrical, thermal, and link‑level behavior to guide design choices before prototype builds.
• Define prototype verification objectives and use early trial results to refine designs.
• Apply process‑integration awareness to keep designs compatible with fabrication, test, and metrology constraints.
• Evaluate heterogeneous integration options when they may improve silicon photonics performance or functionality.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Technical Assessment and Incubation
  • Shape early‑stage concepts, feasibility objectives, risk‑reduction plans, and prototype approaches for CTO Office topics, including possible architectures such as CPO and optical I/O.
  • Lead technical evaluations, modeling, design reviews, and trade‑off studies with internal or external contributors.
  • Develop recommendations on performance, manufacturability, integration path, scalability, reliability, and transition readiness.
• Roadmap Input and Technology Direction
  • Contribute technical input to roadmap discussions in optical interconnect, CPO / optical I/O, AI/HPC infrastructure, silicon photonics, detector technologies, and related platforms.
  • Translate emerging technology options into milestones, risks, decision points, and recommended next steps
• Cross‑Functional Execution and Communication
  • Coordinate work across design, PDK, fabrication, process‑integration, packaging, reliability, test, and external partner teams, including tapeout readiness and handoff to fabrication partners.
  • Prepare concise design reviews, prototype summaries, and recommendations for senior technical, product, and business stakeholders.
  • Support partner, supplier, university, and ecosystem discussions when technical representation is needed.

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, Materials Science, or related field.
•  >7 years of experience in silicon photonics design, integrated photonics R&D, SiP fabrication‑aware design, prototype development, device verification, or related semiconductor photonics work.
• Hands‑on SiP fabrication experience or close collaboration with SiP fabrication teams is required, with sufficient process understanding to design realistic prototype trials and interpret results.
• The role benefits from experience with heterogeneous integration of non‑silicon materials on silicon, including wafer bonding, die bonding, transfer printing, direct bonding, adhesive bonding, or thin‑film transfer.
• Experience connecting design choices to optical, electrical, thermal, mechanical reliability, process‑integration, and packaging outcomes for photonic or optoelectronic devices.
• Experience with simulation, data analysis, DOE, documentation, and R&D decision support using Python, Lumerical, COMSOL, JMP, Excel, or equivalent.
• Packaging experience is a plus, including co‑packaged optics, optical coupling, fiber attach, PIC / EIC integration, OSAT engagement, or prototype assembly.

Skills

• Strong foundation in silicon photonics design, device physics, test vehicles, materials interfaces, PDK‑based design, and process‑integration constraints.
• Familiarity with PDKs from multiple fabs, silicon photonics tapeout flows, and layout reviews is valuable.
• Structured problem‑solving ability and comfort defining technical direction from trade‑offs, incomplete data, and early prototype results.
• Experience with silicon photonics tapeouts is a valuable strength for this role.
• Collaborative style and ability to influence across design, process integration, packaging, reliability, business groups, suppliers, and external partners.
• Clear written and verbal communication with senior technical, product, manufacturing, and business audiences.

Working Conditions

• In‑person position based in Santa Clara, California.
• Combination of design analysis, prototype planning, R&D verification, cross‑functional collaboration, and external ecosystem engagement.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in laboratory or cleanroom‑adjacent environments, follow PPE requirements, handle wafers or samples when needed, and review process, metrology, and test data.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

• Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
• Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
• Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
• Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard‑work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!