Job Title: Optical Engineer III
Location: Redmond, WA
Duration: 12 months, onsite with travel as needed
Pay Range: $75.00-$86.00/hr on W2
Job ID: 371473
About BCforward
BCforward is a leading global IT consulting and workforce solutions firm providing services and support to Fortune 500 and government clients. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers needs into a full-service business solutions provider. With delivery centers and offices across North America and India, we take pride in building long-term relationships and delivering excellence through innovation, collaboration, and integrity.
Job Description
We are seeking an Optical Engineer, Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Design & Analysis to join our research and development team delivering near-to-eye display system technologies. The ideal candidate will have expertise in integrated photonics device design, layout, and metrology, and a proven ability to take designs from concept through tapeout in collaboration with cross-functional partners.
Responsibilities:
* Design and develop complete PICs, from component blocks to full-circuit implementations, with emphasis on active device integration.
* Generate, verify, and prepare fabrication-ready layout files compliant with foundry PDKs for external fabrication.
* Conduct design analysis, optimization, and parametric studies to guide design decisions.
* Support the design-to-fabrication pipeline from concept through tapeout, coordinating with cross-functional teams and external partners.
* Collaborate with program leadership, TPMs, and researchers to align PIC designs with program objectives.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
* MS or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a related field.
* 3+ years of hands-on PIC design, simulation, and layout for visible or IR wavelengths on Si, SiN, LiNbO, or BTO platforms.
* 3+ years with photonic device simulation and electromagnetic modeling tools for component and circuit analysis (e.g., Lumerical FDTD/MODE/DEVICE, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, COMSOL Multiphysics).
* 2+ years with PIC layout tools and GDSII generation (e.g., KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, gdsfactory), including PDK integration and DRC.
* 2+ years of scientific programming in Python or MATLAB for scripting, automation, and analysis.
* 1+ years supporting or executing PIC tapeouts at commercial foundries with understanding of fabrication constraints.
Preferred Skills:
* 3+ years in active PIC design, fabrication, and validation for visible wavelengths on LiNbO or BTO.
* 3+ years in design space exploration, sensitivity analysis, and statistical yield modeling for photonic circuits.
* 3+ years with major photonic simulation suites (e.g., Lumerical, Synopsys, COMSOL).
* 2+ years using circuit-level simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical Interconnect, Synopsys OptSim, VPIphotonics) for system evaluation.
* 2+ years in photonic device characterization and test, including optical and electro-optic measurements.
* 1+ years with fiber optics, free-space optics, PIC packaging, and comprehensive device characterization.
* 1+ years with semiconductor fabrication processes and understanding of process-induced limitations.
* Demonstrated ability to incorporate fabrication constraints into PIC designs to mitigate losses and variability.
Why BCforward?
At BCforward, we believe in advancing lives and careers. When you join our team, you gain access to:
* Competitive compensation and benefits.
* Opportunities for growth with global clients.
* A supportive, inclusive culture that values innovation and people.
* Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and projects.
About Our Commitment
BCforward is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an
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