Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

NOKIA; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NOKIA is seeking a Silicon Photonics Design Engineer in Sunnyvale, California, to lead the design and development of cutting-edge silicon photonics integrated circuits. You will drive project architecture and execution, ensuring high-performance solutions in coherent optical systems.

The ideal candidate possesses an MS or Ph.D. in relevant fields with at least 5 years of experience in the industry, and a solid background in optical engineering and device design. Join us in pushing the boundaries of photonic technology!

Qualifications

• 5 years of industry experience in silicon photonics or integrated optics.
• Extensive technical expertise in device performance characterization.
• Good programming skills in Python or C/C++.

Responsibilities

• Drive architecture for next-generation optical engines.
• Own product definition and PIC architecture innovation.
• Champion design-for-test and manufacturing best practices.

Skills

Silicon photonics device design

Optical engineering test

Programming in Python or C/C++

Understanding of optics or electromagnetics

Education

MS or Ph.D. in integrated optics, electrical engineering or applied physics

Tools

Optics design tools (e.g., Lumerical)

VNAs and spectrum analyzers

Job description

Are you a passionate Silicon Photonics Design Engineer eager to contribute to groundbreaking research and development? Join our team and play a key role in designing and developing cutting‑edge silicon photonics integrated circuits. You'll lead the entire development process, from design and fabrication to testing and analysis, for complex photonic devices and systems‑on‑chip. Collaborate with experienced designers on innovative projects and large‑scale silicon photonics circuits. Apply now and be part of a team pushing the boundaries of photonic technology!

Responsibilities

• Drive the architecture and development of next‑generation optical engines in advanced Si photonics process technologies for high‑performance pluggable optics and embedded solutions for coherent DWDM long‑haul and metro transport applications.
• Own product definition, PIC architecture innovation, and specification of integrated photonic circuits for coherent Tx/Rx signal processing chains, critical optical components, and comprehensive test methodologies tailored to meet demanding requirements across long‑haul, metro, and pluggable coherent optical systems.
• Spearhead link budget development and optimization across coherent optical transport links, driving analysis of system performance, channel impairments, chromatic dispersion, polarization effects, active and passive component margins, and foundry process capabilities to ensure first‑pass silicon photonic designs meet aggressive performance targets in both long‑haul and metro deployments.
• Champion design‑for‑test and design‑for‑manufacturing (DFM) best practices, establishing photonic device characterization strategies and test protocols to enable rapid volume ramp and high‑yield manufacturing in next‑generation coherent pluggable platforms and integrated transceiver solutions.
• Lead design reviews as a recognized subject matter expert in silicon photonic component design, setting technical direction and raising the bar for system‑level performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability across diverse coherent optical applications.
• Drive cross‑functional execution with photonics design, RFIC/EIC, DSP, packaging, product engineering, foundry technology partners, test development, and product leadership to architect and deploy scalable design automation, simulation frameworks, and test infrastructure that accelerates deployment of innovative coherent optic solutions.

Required qualifications

• MS or Ph.D. graduate in integrated optics silicon photonics, electrical engineering, or applied physics.
• 5 years of industry experience working in silicon photonics, integrated optics or relevant fields.
• Possess extensive technical expertise in silicon photonics device design (including device performance characterization and validation).
• Lab experience in optical engineering test, fiber‑waveguide coupling, and design verification testing.
• Experience in RF design, test and characterization of photonic devices, using devices such VNAs, spectrum analyzers, etc.
• Solid programming skills in Python or C/C++.
• General good understanding of general concepts in physics, especially in optics or electromagnetics.

Preferred qualifications

• Previous experience as Nokia intern or co‑op, proficiency with optics design tools, such as Lumerical.
• Experience with designing or characterizing silicon photonic or other integrated optical/optoelectronic devices or circuits. Strong understanding of general concepts in fiber optics and integrated optics. Experience in photonic integrated circuit design, modeling and layout.
• Solid numerical and physics‑related programming skills. Experience with high‑frequency design and modeling.