Silicon Photonics Engineer

PsiQuantum; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum in Palo Alto is seeking a Silicon Photonics Engineer to drive the design and implementation of next-generation photonic integrated circuits. This role involves the full development cycle, from device concept to verification, focusing on complex switching circuit applications.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics, five years of relevant experience in integrated photonics, and strong skills in photonic device design and testing.

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics.
• Extensive knowledge in photonic devices including performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Interact with device, hardware, and system design teams.
• Support foundry tape-outs with design and verification.
• Develop documentation for tape-outs.
• Resolve technical issues with components.
• Apply quantitative analysis for root cause determination.

Skills

Computational and analytical skills

Photonic device evaluation

Photonic design software (Lumerical)

Photonic layout tools (IPKISS, gdsfactory)

Python for data analysis

Communication skills

Education

PhD or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a creative and hands‑on Silicon Photonics Engineer to drive the design and implementation of next‑generation photonic integrated circuits. This role spans the full development cycle of silicon photonic devices and subsystems, from device concept generation and electromagnetic simulation to physical layout, tape‑out support, and design verification. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between theoretical modeling and practical implementation, with strong intuition for both photonic device physics and layout realization within foundry process constraints. The position focuses on efforts for complex switching circuit applications.

Responsibilities

• Interacts with device, hardware, and system design teams to assist in overall development of photonic systems and devices.
• Supports foundry tape‑outs with photonic device design, design of experiments, layout, design verification, PDK development, and software development.
• Develops comprehensive documentation for tape‑outs.
• Provides multi‑disciplinary support to component and systems teams by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, or systems.
• Applies quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and proposes, develops, and implements solutions for corrective action.

Education

• PhD or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Physics.

Experience

• 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong computational and analytical skills applied to photonic device design and performance evaluation.
• In-depth knowledge of photonic devices, including performance metrics and testing techniques.
• Extensive experience with photonic design using commercial software platforms such as Lumerical simulation suite.
• Photonic layout experience using tools such as IPKISS, gdsfactory, or equivalent.
• Extensive experience with Python for scientific applications and data analysis.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non‑technical teams.

Equal Employment Opportunity

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Compensation

U.S. Base Pay Range: $115,000—$145,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range: $140,000—$164,000 USD