Sr. Vice President of Engineering, Silicon Photonics

Skorpios Technologies, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 380,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Job summary

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. invites a visionary Sr. Vice President of Engineering to lead our technical organization.

This executive oversees the development of next-generation III-V and Silicon Photonics chips, driving the engineering roadmap from concept through high-volume manufacturing in a dynamic San Diego, California environment. The role requires 15+ years in semiconductors/photonics with 5–7 years in senior leadership, Ph.D. or M.S.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or a related Photonics discipline.
• 15+ years in semiconductor or photonics with 5–7 years in senior leadership/executive capacity.
• Deep expertise in III-V and Silicon Photonics device design, epitaxy constraints, and high-speed optical communications.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the technical vision for Silicon Photonics and III-V device integration.
• Guide technology implementation with the CEO; ensure engineering pipeline supports customer targets.
• Oversee design, modeling, and manufacturing readiness for high-efficiency lasers, modulators, and photodetectors.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Executive Collaboration

Project & Process Management

Innovation Oversight

Operational Excellence

Stakeholder Management

Education

Ph.D. in Physics/Electrical Engineering/Material Science

M.S. in Physics/EE/Materials/Photonics

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

Zemax

Job description

Description

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is an innovator in heterogeneous integration of silicon photonic technology and semiconductor development. As we rapidly expand, we are seeking a visionary Sr. Vice President of Engineering to lead our technical organization. This executive leader will be responsible for the development of next-generation III-V and Silicon Photonics chip and module products, driving the engineering roadmap from concept through high-volume manufacturing.

Job Purpose

The Sr. VP of Engineering is a key executive role responsible for the strategic leadership of Skorpios' Integration and Process Development Engineering teams. This individual will oversee the implementation of high-performance Si-Photonic Data Communications solutions, ensuring that technical execution aligns with the overall company strategy. You will serve as the primary technical architect of the product roadmap, working in close partnership with the CEO, CRO, and key customers to deliver highly differentiated, disruptive technology.

Executive Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Roadmap: Define and execute the technical vision for Silicon Photonics and III-V device integration. Align engineering priorities with company-wide strategic goals and market demands.
• Executive Collaboration: Partner directly with the CEO to guide technology implementation; collaborate with the CRO to ensure the engineering pipeline supports customer targets and requirements.
• Project & Process Management: Establish rigorous engineering processes to transition complex designs from R&D to manufacturing. Own the accountability for project timelines, resource allocation, and budget management.
• Innovation Oversight: Direct the design and modeling of high-efficiency Lasers, EAM/MZM modulators, and high-speed photodetectors, ensuring all components are optimized for Skorpios' unique heterogeneous integration platform.
• Operational Excellence: Implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR) standards across the engineering organization to ensure scalable, high-yield production.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as the technical face of the company for potential customers and strategic partners, presenting complex technical solutions as compelling business value propositions.

Technical Oversight

• Lead teams in the simulation of electrical, RF, and optical performance (Ansys Lumerical, Zemax, etc.).
• Oversee the establishment of tolerance and process design rules to enable DRC for integrated circuits.
• Guide the characterization of devices, data analysis, and the translation of DOE (Design of Experiments) results into product improvements.
• Ensure deep integration between III-V active components and Silicon Photonics passive devices (WDM, polarization rotators, 90-degree hybrids).

Leadership Competencies

• Accountability: A results-driven mindset with the ability to take full ownership of technical failures and successes.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills; ability to distill complex physics and engineering challenges into actionable strategies for the Board of Directors and customers.
• Interpersonal Impact: Proven ability to mentor high-level individual contributors and foster a culture of innovation and hard work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic Problem Solving: Ability to navigate the challenges of a dynamic environment, making data-driven decisions under pressure.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Education: Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or a related Photonics discipline.
• Experience: 15+ years of experience in the semiconductor or photonics industry, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership/executive capacity.
• Technical Mastery: Deep industrial expertise in III-V and Silicon Photonics device design, epitaxy constraints, and high-speed optical communications.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in leading high-performance technical teams through the full product lifecycle, from initial concept to disruptive market entry.

Work Environment & Travel

• Based in a high-energy, collaborative office/lab environment.
• Travel: Up to 25% anticipated for customer visits, vendor management, and industry conferences.

Why Skorpios?

At Skorpios, you will be at the forefront of the silicon photonics revolution. We offer the chance to work on truly disruptive technology that is changing how the world connects. You will be part of a team where technical excellence is celebrated and where your contributions have a direct impact on the success of our next-generation product lines.

Skorpios offers an excellent benefits package which includes:

• Competitive Salary
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Company paid Disability
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Birthday Leave
• Gym Membership Discounts

Export Control / ITAR Statement:

This position is located at a facility that operates under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be 'U.S. persons' within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a 'U.S. person' as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, protected leave status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

As a federal contractor, Skorpios Technologies, Inc. takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at or [e-mail]