Senior PIC Design Engineer (Sunnyvale)

Overview: Join a pioneering team focused on advancing the frontiers of photonics and optical system integration. Our client is an innovative, growth-stage company developing next-generation optical platforms for high-impact applications. Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end design, simulation, and layout of active and passive photonic integrated circuits.

Perform rigorous electromagnetic and optical simulations using industry-standard tools (FDTD, EME, Mode solvers). Create, optimize, and verify complex GDSII layouts for tape-out, ensuring strict adherence to foundry Design Rule Checks (DRC). Collaborate directly with external semiconductor foundries to manage multi-project wafer (MPW) runs and integrate process design kits (PDKs).

Partner with test and packaging engineering teams to define testing protocols, analyze wafer- and die-level data, and correlate empirical measurements with simulation models. Develop custom automation scripts for layout generation, simulation sweeps, and high-volume data analysis to streamline the design cycle. Requirements Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Proven industry experience in the design, tape-out, and testing of Photonic Integrated Circuits (e.g., Silicon Photonics, InP, or Silicon Nitride). Proficiency with commercial optical and multiphysics simulation software (such as Lumerical, Photon Design, RSoft, or COMSOL). Strong hands-on experience with layout and DRC verification tools (such as KLayout, Luceda IPKISS, Synopsys OptoDesigner, or Cadence).

Fluency in programming languages like Python, MATLAB, or C++ for lab automation, data analysis, and layout scripting. Deep understanding of waveguide theory, semiconductor physics, and high-speed optical communication principles. Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional startup environment.