Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Polaris Electro-Optics, Inc.; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for rapid advancement

Job summary

A leading photonics startup in San Diego is seeking a skilled engineer to design and optimize silicon photonic devices. This role involves simulation, collaboration on integration, and contribution to IP development. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. or an M.S. with relevant industry experience in high-speed modulation and possess strong programming skills. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $100,000 to $220,000 based on experience and a hybrid work environment, enabling impactful contributions in a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Strong desire to contribute to a high-impact photonics company.
• Practical experience in modeling photonic devices.
• Experience in high-speed electrode or RF design.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize silicon photonic components.
• Implement design automation for simulation and layout tools.
• Collaborate with integration and test teams.

Skills

Modeling photonic devices

Programming (Python, MATLAB)

High-speed modulator design

Photonic testing and integration

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field

M.S. with 2+ years industry experience

Tools

Lumerical

Tidy3D

HFSS

ADS

Cadence

GDSfactory

Job description

The successful candidate will join our Photonic Design team developing cutting-edge silicon photonics devices. This person will learn and grow rapidly, while having enormous impact across all technical and business activities in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize silicon photonic active and passive components
• Implement design automation for simulation and layout tools
• Support design and verification of photonic layout design
• Collaborate with integration and test teams to optimize design based on aligned requirements
• Contribute to the development of new Intellectual Property related to photonic designs

Required

• Strong desire to contribute to a high-impact photonics company
• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or M.S. with 2+ years of industry experience
• Practical experience in modeling photonic devices or systems with design software (Lumerical, Tidy3D, or similar)
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Experience in high-speed modulator design and characterization
• Hands‑on PIC tape‑out experience with commercial foundries using Cadence, GDSfactory, or other similar code‑based layout tools.
• Experience developing PICs that have reached HVM for IM‑DD or coherent applications
• Hands‑on experience in high-speed electrode or RF design using HFSS, ADS, or similar tools
• Proficient in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for design automation and data analysis with version control experience
• Solid understanding of optical transceiver architectures, system‑level requirements, and link analysis
• Experience in photonic testing and integration at the wafer, die, and package levels
• Working knowledge of coherent optical systems and CPO architectures is a plus
• Familiarity with high-speed analog circuits (e.g., TIAs, modulator drivers) is a plus

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000 – $220,000 (role level and salary commensurate with experience and impact)
• Opportunity for rapid advancement

Location

This role will generally be hybrid, based in Carlsbad (Greater San Diego), CA or Taiwan, with flexibility open for discussion.

About the Company

Polaris Electro-Optics is redefining optical interconnects through our breakthrough Ferroelectric Nematic Glass (FenGlass™) technology—enabling ultra-fast, low-power silicon photonic modulators that unlock 200 G/lane and beyond. We’re a Series‑A startup backed by leading investors and working with the world’s top datacom and coherent ecosystem players. Join us to define the next generation of optical connectivity.

Send your resume and cover letter to [e-mail]