Silicon Photonics Component Design Engineer

Intel Corporation; Rio Rancho (NM); On-site; USD 142,000 - 269,000; Full time

Job summary

Intel Corporation in Albuquerque, NM seeks a Silicon Photonics (SiPho) Component Design Engineer to advance photonic devices for high-speed optical interconnects. You will design, simulate, and validate lasers, modulators, and detectors, collaborating with cross-functional teams to push PIC architecture and process innovation.

The role emphasizes test chip development, data analysis, and model-driven design improvements, with opportunities to contribute to IP, publications, and customer-facing

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s with industry experience in silicon photonics and device design.
• Experience with high-speed photonic devices and photonic design/simulation tools.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and photonic layout environments.

Responsibilities

• Photonic Component Design and Development: design, simulate, and support PIC devices.
• Device Optimization and Analysis: run simulations and tolerance studies to improve performance.
• Test Chip Development and Validation: assist tape-out and silicon validation activities.
• Characterization and Data Analysis: analyze test data to identify trends and improvements.
• Modeling and Methodology Development: contribute to photonic device models and workflows.
• Research and Technology Innovation: evaluate emerging photonic tech and contribute to IP.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Sentaurus

Silvaco

Lumerical

HFSS

ADS

RSoft

MATLAB

Python

JMP

Cadence

KLayout

Job description

Job Details

As a Silicon Photonics (SiPho) Component Design Engineer, you will join Intel Foundry's Silicon Photonics Process Development and Manufacturing (SPDM) team, which is driving process innovation and enabling the next generation of optical interconnect technologies. Since pioneering the world's first heterogeneous silicon laser nearly a decade ago, Intel has continued to lead the industry through advanced technology development and scalable high-volume manufacturing. Our team is committed to expanding Intel Foundry's Silicon Photonics platform to support customer solutions across data center communications, co-packaged optics, and next-generation optical networking technologies ranging from 400G to 3.2T+ and beyond. In this role, you will contribute to the development and optimization of silicon photonic components that power cutting-edge optical communication systems. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, characterize, and improve photonic devices while advancing Intel Foundry's silicon photonics technology roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

• Photonic Component Design and Development: Design, simulate, and support the development of photonic components, including lasers, modulators, high-speed photodetectors, passive devices, and waveguide structures. Contribute to photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and architecture evaluations.


• Device Optimization and Analysis: Perform simulations, tolerance studies, and design evaluations to improve device performance, manufacturability, and reliability. Apply established modeling methodologies and design best practices to optimize photonic components.


• Test Chip Development and Validation: Support test chip execution activities, including design implementation, layout coordination, tape‑out preparation, and silicon validation. Collaborate with fabrication and test teams to ensure successful design realization.


• Characterization and Data Analysis: Analyze characterization and test data to identify performance trends, root causes, and opportunities for design enhancement. Support the implementation of design improvements based on experimental results.


• Modeling and Methodology Development: Contribute to photonic device models, simulation workflows, and automation tools. Drive improvements in test methodologies and engineering processes to increase development efficiency.


• Research and Technology Innovation: Evaluate emerging photonic technologies and support proof‑of‑concept demonstrations. Contribute to intellectual property development through patents, technical publications, and innovation activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline with 2+ years of experience in silicon photonic device design, simulation, characterization, or related research environments; or Master's degree in a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience.

Experience in one or more of the following areas: High‑speed photonic devices, including optical modulators and photodetectors; Photonic design and simulation using tools such as Sentaurus, Silvaco, Lumerical, HFSS, ADS, RSoft, or equivalent; Photonic device testing and characterization; data analysis using MATLAB, Python, JMP, or similar tools; Photonic layout design using Cadence, KLayout, or comparable design environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross‑functional engineering environment.


• Experience with silicon photonic modulator or detector design.


• Familiarity with micro‑ring modulators or advanced photonic materials such as BTO, TFLN, or III‑V integration.


• Basic understanding of high‑speed electronic ICs including TIAs, drivers, equalization techniques, and DSP concepts.


• Experience with optical link modeling and system‑level performance analysis.


• Experience with photonic devices operating at 100G+ data rates.


• Familiarity with semiconductor foundry development processes.


• Publications, conference presentations, or patent contributions in photonics or related fields.


• Experience working on customer‑facing, product development, or cross‑functional engineering projects.


• Experience with active and passive silicon photonic devices including heaters, carrier injection devices, and passive waveguide structures.

Job Type

Experienced Hire

Shift

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location

US, New Mexico, Albuquerque

Additional Locations

None specified

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

$141,910.00-269,100.00 USD

Work Model for this Role

This role will require an on‑site presence.

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. Intel’s official careers website.