Silicon Photonics Engineer for Co-Packaged Optics

5V Tech; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

5V Tech in San Francisco is seeking a photonics engineer to design, simulate, characterize and bring up silicon photonic devices for co-packaged optical engines used in high-bandwidth AI data centers.

The role involves collaborating with packaging, electrical, laser and systems teams to turn photonic designs into production-ready hardware that shapes how the world's largest AI systems are built.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in silicon/integrated photonics in industry.
• Hands-on PIC component design (ring/MZI modulators, Ge photodetectors, grating/edge couplers).
• Proficiency with photonic simulation tools (Lumerical, FDTD, eigenmode solvers).
• Experience taking designs through tape-out with a silicon photonics foundry.
• Lab experience with optical test equipment and high-speed characterisation.
• Understanding of high-speed optical links, PAM4 signalling and link budgets.
• Strong data analysis skills using Python or MATLAB.
• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate silicon photonic components including modulators, photodetectors, waveguides and couplers.
• Develop photonic integrated circuits for co-packaged optics and high-speed optical interconnect.
• Run optical and electro-optical characterization of devices and PICs at wafer and die level.
• Work with foundry partners on PDKs, process variation and tape-out readiness.
• Partner with packaging teams on fiber attach, laser integration and optical coupling.
• Collaborate with electrical, SerDes and systems teams on link budgets and performance targets.
• Analyse test data to drive design iterations, yield improvements and production readiness.
• Contribute to architecture decisions for next-generation optical engines.

Skills

years of experience

PIC design

photonic simulation tools

tape-out experience

optical test & high-speed

PAM4/link budgets

data analysis (Python/MATLAB)

Education

MS/PhD in EE/Physics/Optics

Tools

Lumerical

FDTD

Eigenmode solvers

Job description

5V Tech in San Francisco is seeking a photonics engineer to design, simulate, characterize and bring up silicon photonic devices for co-packaged optical engines used in high-bandwidth AI data centers.

The role involves collaborating with packaging, electrical, laser and systems teams to turn photonic designs into production-ready hardware that shapes how the world's largest AI systems are built.