Silicon Photonics Senior Scientist - R&D

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health care and wellness plans

Relocation assistance

Paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

Toyota Electronics Research Department in Ann Arbor, MI seeks a Silicon Photonics Senior Scientist to advance integrated photonics for sensing, communications, and quantum photonics.

You will lead automated test benches, collaborate with foundries, and publish results in top journals. This onsite role includes cross-disciplinary teamwork and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field.
• 4+ years hands-on photonics lab bench experience with alignment and FAUs.
• Experience with FDTD solvers and photonic IC design transfer.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Finalize automated opto-mechatronic test bench and test incoming tape-outs.
• Support simulation, validation, and packaging plans for photonics.
• Apply design methods to chip-scale packages for mobility applications.
• Coordinate with foundry vendors for tape-out timelines and DRC checks.
• Collaborate with ERD researchers and vendors for co-integration of photonic and electronic systems.
• Publish results in journals and conferences.
• Stay updated with literature and related technologies.
• Communicate results clearly to stakeholders.

Skills

Photonic lab bench design

Optomechanical alignment

Fiber array units (FAUs)

Mechatronic automation (Python)

FDTD simulation (Lumerical, Tidy3d)

EDA tools (Python, Photon Forge, Lumer

System integration (Tx/Rx/Processor/|)

Quantum-photonics techniques

Ray tracing (Zemax)

Analytical/problem solving

Travel readiness

Education

Doctoral degree in Optical/EE/Physics or related field

Tools

Lumerical

Zemax

Photon Forge

KiCAD

Python

Job description

Overview

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.

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 photonics 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 input technical guidance.

Location

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 of 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 with 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].