Silicon/RF Photonics Design Engineer

Polaris Electro-Optics, Inc.; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Electro-Optics, Inc. is seeking a Ph.D.-level or MS-level designer to join our Photonic Design team. You will design and optimize silicon photonic components and RF lines, implement automation, and help verify layouts in a fast-paced startup environment.

You will collaborate with integration and test teams, contribute to IP development, and work on PIC tape-out with modern tools. Hybrid work in Carlsbad/CA or Taiwan is supported.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MS with industry experience as stated.
• Hands-on modeling of photonic devices or systems using listed tools.
• Eligible to work in the United States or Taiwan.
• Experience with high-speed modulator design and testing.
• PIC tape-out experience with code-based layout tools.
• Experience bringing PICs to HVM for IM-DD or coherent apps.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize silicon photonic components and RF lines.
• Implement design automation for simulation and layout tools.
• Support photonic layout design verification and integration testing.
• Collaborate with integration and test teams to meet requirements.
• Develop IP related to photonic and RF designs.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Design automation

data analysis

version control

optical transceiver knowledge

coherent systems

RF design exposure

high-speed signaling

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

M.S. with 2+ years industry experience

Tools

Cadence

GDSfactory

Lumerical

Tidy3D

HFSS

ADS

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 or RF transmission lines
• 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/RF 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 or Taiwan
• 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: $90,000 – $220,000 (for US employees, 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.