Sr. Simulations Engineer, III-V Devices

Skorpios Technologies, Inc.; Temecula (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. seeks Sr. Simulation Engineers to model photonic integrated circuits and devices using industry-leading tools. You will lead virtual prototyping of lasers, modulators, and passive components, ensuring accuracy for our in-house foundry workflows.

Applicants should have 5–10 years in photonics simulation, a Ph.D. or M.S. in a related field, and strong skills in Ansys Lumerical, Synopsys tools, and Python/MATLAB for data analysis and automation.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field with computational photonics.
• 5-10 years of industrial experience in photonics simulation and design.
• Experience bringing products from concept through in-house manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Model high-fidelity photonic integrated circuits and devices (lasers, modulators, etc.).
• Lead virtual prototyping and DOE to predict device performance.
• Collaborate with in-house fab and design teams to translate simulations into layouts and tapeouts.
• Validate simulations against lab data and refine material parameters.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

MS/PhD in Physics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

Synopsys RSoft/OptSim

Zemax/Speos

Keysight ADS

Ansys HFSS

CST Microwave Studio

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Description

Company Overview

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. are innovators in heterogeneous integration of silicon photonic technology and semiconductor development. The company is rapidly expanding the technical organization and seeking Sr. Simulation Engineers specializing in Optical and Photonics modeling. These roles are critical in developing the next generation of disruptive III-V and Silicon Photonics integrated products.

Job Purpose

The Sr. Simulation Engineer is responsible for high-fidelity modeling and simulation of complex photonic integrated circuits (PICs). You will lead the virtual prototyping of high-performance devices—including lasers, modulators, and passive optical components—ensuring designs are optimized for Skorpios’ unique technology platform. Operating with an in-house foundry, these roles serve as the essential bridge between theoretical physics and rapid hardware implementation.

Core Responsibilities

• Active & Passive Device Modeling: Design and simulate III-V components, including DFB/DBR Lasers, SOAs, EAM/MZM modulators, UTC photodiodes.
• Multi-Physics & RF Simulation: Lead complex modeling that couples optical, electrical, and thermal solvers (e.g., self-heating effects in laser diodes). Optimize RF performance for high-speed modulators and optical-electrical conversion efficiency.
• In-House Foundry Collaboration: Partner directly with the internal Fab and Device Designers to translate simulations into actionable layouts. Establish process design rules and perform DRC (Design Rule Check) and LVS (Layout Versus Schematic) to ensure tapeout accuracy.
• Virtual DOE & Validation: Execute virtual Design of Experiments (DOE) to predict device reliability and performance. Validate simulation outputs against internal lab characterization data to refine material parameters and "close the loop" on model accuracy.

Requirements

Technical Stack & Knowledge Domains

• Simulation Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Ansys Lumerical (FDTD, MODE, DEVICE, INTERCONNECT), Synopsys RSoft/OptSim, and Zemax/Speos.
• RF & Mathematical Tools: Experience with Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS, or CST Microwave Studio. Advanced proficiency in Python or MATLAB for automation and large-scale data analysis.
• III-V & Semiconductor Physics: Deep understanding of bandgap engineering, carrier dynamics, recombination mechanisms, and band structures.
• Fabrication & Packaging: Strong knowledge of how epitaxy growth, etching profiles, and metalization affect optical modes. Familiarity with fiber coupling and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO).

Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to synthesize large datasets and utilize statistical tools (e.g., JMP or Minitab) for performance reporting.
• Communication: Proven ability to present complex technical trade-offs to engineering teams, executive leadership, and customers.
• Problem Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills in resolving discrepancies between modeled and measured device performance.

Required Education and Experience

• Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field with an emphasis on computational photonics.
• Experience: 5-10 years of industrial experience in photonics simulation and design, with a proven track record of bringing products from concept through in-house manufacturing.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Environment: Temperature-controlled office/lab setting.
• Physical: Constantly viewing high-resolution monitors for prolonged periods (8+ hours) for detailed modeling.
• Travel: Anticipated travel is less than 5%.