Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer, Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Design & Analysis

We are seeking a passionate Optical Engineer to join our research and development team. This role focuses on delivering state-of-the-art near-to-eye display system technologies. The ideal candidate will have expertise in novel integrated photonics device design and metrology, gained through a Ph.D. or industry experience.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop complete Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), from fundamental component blocks to full-circuit implementations, with a strong emphasis on active device integration
• Generate, verify, and prepare fabrication-ready layout files, ensuring compliance with foundry Process Design Kits (PDKs) for external fabrication
• Conduct systematic design analysis, including optimization and parametric studies, to guide design decisions
• Support the entire design-to-fabrication pipeline, from initial concept through tapeout, coordinating closely with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Collaborate with program leadership, Technical Program Managers (TPMs), and researchers on PIC designs that align with overall program objectives

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in the design, simulation, and layout of PICs for visible or IR wavelengths on platforms such as Si, SiN, LiNbO, or BTO
• 3+ years of experience utilizing photonic device simulation and electromagnetic modeling tools for both component and circuit-level analysis (e.g., Lumerical FDTD/MODE/DEVICE, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, or COMSOL Multiphysics)
• 2+ years of experience with PIC layout tools and GDSII generation (e.g., KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, gdsfactory, or equivalent), including familiarity with foundry PDK integration and design rule verification
• 2+ years of experience with scientific programming (e.g., Python or MATLAB) for scripting, design automation, and analysis
• 1+ years of experience supporting or executing PIC tapeouts at a commercial semiconductor foundry, including an understanding of fabrication process constraints (e.g., propagation losses, sidewall roughness, etch non-idealities)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years experience in active PIC design, fabrication, and validation, particularly for visible wavelengths on LiNbO or BTO platforms
• 3+ years of experience in design space exploration, sensitivity analysis, and statistical performance/yield modeling for photonic circuits
• 3+ years of experience with one or more major photonic simulation tool suites (e.g., Lumerical, Synopsys, COMSOL, or equivalent)
• 2+ years of experience utilizing photonic circuit-level simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical Interconnect, Synopsys OptSim, or VPIphotonics) for system-level performance evaluation.
• 2+ years of experience in photonic device characterization and test, including both optical and electro-optic measurements
• 1+ years experience with fiber optics, free-space optics, PIC packaging, and comprehensive device characterization
• 1+ years experience with semiconductor fabrication processes and a deep understanding of process-induced performance limitations, such as optical losses, sidewall roughness, and process variability
• Demonstrated ability to directly incorporate fabrication constraints into PIC designs (e.g., optimizing minimum feature sizes and bend radii, implementing effective tapering strategies, and using layout techniques to mitigate scattering and coupling losses)

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position.

**Only those lawfully authorized to work in the designated country associated with the position will be considered.**

**Please note that all Position start dates and duration are estimates and may be reduced or lengthened based upon a client's business needs and requirements.**