Silicon Photonics Senior Scientist - R&D

Toyota North America; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Team member vehicle program

Job summary

Toyota North America in Ann Arbor, MI, is seeking a Silicon Photonics Senior Scientist to advance integrated photonics for sensing, communication, and quantum photonic devices. You will lead test benches, simulations, and collaboration with foundries and partners.

The role emphasizes on-site work Mon-Thu with optional remote Fridays, travel up to 10%, and reporting to ERD leadership. A PhD and 4+ years hands-on experience are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in Optical/Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Physics required.
• 4+ years designing and troubleshooting photonic lab benches including automation.
• Experience with integrated photonics simulation and design.

Responsibilities

• Finalize development of an automated opto-mechatronic test bench for integrated photonics.
• Lead optical testing and characterization of foundry tape-outs and validate performance.
• Support simulation, validation, and packaging plans to meet timelines.
• Coordinate with vendors and ERD researchers for co-integration and tape-out timelines.
• Publish results in scientific journals and conferences.

Skills

Optical engineering

Photonic lab benches

Optomechanical alignment

Fiber array units (FAUs)

Mechatronic automation

Python APIs

FDTD solvers

Lumerical

Tidy3d

EDA tools

Zemax ray tracing

Education

Doctoral degree in Optical/Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Physics

Tools

Lumerical

Tidy3d

Zemax

KiCAD

Photon Forge

Job description

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We’re looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

Toyota does not offer support or sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this role now or in the future. You must have the right to work in the United States and not require Toyota support or sponsorship for immigration-related employment (e.g., H-1B, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, TN, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, TN, (job flexibility benefits) (also known as I-140 or Adjustment of Status portability), etc.) now or in the future. You should not apply for this role if you will require Toyota to assist with immigration support or sponsorship now or in the future.

Who We’re Looking For

Toyota’s Electronics Research Department (ERD) is looking for a passionate and highly motivated Silicon Photonics Senior Scientist.

The primary responsibility of this role is to research integrated silicon photonics to be applied to sensing, communication, and quantum photonic devices as well as free‑space photonic device research.

The person in this role will report to the Senior Engineering Manager of ERD and have a passion for approaching new problems with novel solutions in integrated photonics and application of Meta surfaces for sensing (such as magnetometry, temperature field, or device prognostics), communications (such as optical transceivers, comb generation, entangled pair generation, single photon emission, or squeezed light analysis), and consideration of integration of non‑linear effects or active devices.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Finalize the development and commissioning of an automated opto‑mechatronic test‑bench measurement system for integrated photonics. Lead the optical testing and characterization of incoming foundry tape‑outs.
• Support simulation, validation, and packaging plans for integrated photonics to meet research‑level timelines targeting state‑of‑the‑art performance parameters.
• Apply integrated photonic design methods and optimization techniques to exploit photonic and quantum‑photonic phenomena in chip‑scale packages to target mobility applications.
• Support collaboration with foundry vendors to understand technology stack potential, meet design submission tape‑out timelines and coordinate design rule checks.
• Coordinate with other ERD researchers and vendors to ensure successful co‑integration of electronic control of photonic circuits, including high speed signals and chip‑to‑chip packaging.
• Accelerate the design, simulation, and experimental validation of free‑space optical components (i.e. Lenses, Meta surfaces, etc.) including their integration and co‑optimization with camera sensor systems for research level proof of concept.
• Coordinate with lab operations staff to track critical items such as measurement samples, fiber and fiber array unit stock, and consumables.
• Publish your results in competitive scientific journals and conferences.
• Stay abreast of the most recent advancements in scientific literature related to integrated photonics and their applications and advancements at related foundries.
• Communicate research results, insights, and recommendations to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner, both verbally and through visualizations.
• Execute and monitor project timelines toward goal achievement. Provide updates and engage responsively with stakeholders, including reports to Japanese counterparts.
• Support communication with university research partners by enhancing technical understanding of collaborative work and providing technical guidance.

This position is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

What You Bring

• Doctoral degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Physics, or other related technical disciplines.
• Must have a minimum of 4+ years of hands‑on experience designing and troubleshooting photonic lab benches, specifically involving optomechanical alignment, fiber array units (FAUs), and mechatronic automation (e.g., using Python APIs).
• Expertise in simulation and design of integrated photonic components using commercially available FDTD solvers (ex. Lumerical, Tidy3d, etc.).
• Ability to leverage electronic design automation (EDA) (ex. Python, Photon Forge, Lumerical, KiCAD etc.) to execute automated performance analysis on photonic integrated circuits and transfer design to artwork appropriate for design submission.
• Understanding of subsystem integration (e.g. Tx, Rx, Processor, Memory) into photonic systems and system analysis.
• Understanding of background of quantum‑photonics techniques and practical application in integrated photonics.
• Familiarity with simulation and design of free‑space optical system using ray tracing solvers (ex. Zemax, etc.).
• Skilled with rapid problem investigation and root‑cause investigation.
• Current work requirement has an onsite presence Monday – Thursday, and the option of remote work on Friday contingent upon the needs of the business.
• Must be willing to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally and maintain scheduling flexibility to participate in late‑evening meetings with Japan stakeholders as business needs require.

Added bonus if you have

• Experience in the design, fabrication, or characterization of imaging Meta surfaces/Meta Lenses and their practical integration into camera systems.
• Experience in Quantum Magnetometry Methodology includes ODMR techniques.
• Co‑packaging experience to couple silicon photonic and electronic together in compact packages.
• Comfort in high‑speed RF signal simulation and validation for control and operation of silicon photonic devices.
• Experience in design optimization methods including gradient‑based, evolutionary, and AI‑driven (ex. neural network, physics‑informed neural network etc.) techniques.
• Experience with utilizing process design kits (PDKs) to accelerate integrated photonic chip layout and design.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Experience making clear and concise presentations, both written and oral, with consideration to international audiences.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, able to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.

What We’ll Bring

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement.
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount.
• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable).
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family.
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more.
• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA).
• Relocation (if applicable).

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to [e-mail].