Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an end-to-end system link budget.
• Architect, design, model, and optimize complex silicon photonic devices, including grating couplers, waveguides, SOAs, and photodetectors, for high-speed AI computing applications.
• Collaborate with external foundries to develop manufacturable designs using process design kits (PDKs) and ensure successful tape-out of silicon photonic components.
• Perform design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-test (DFT) evaluations to ensure scalability and robust production.
• Conduct and interpret optical simulations using industry-standard tools (e.g., Lumerical, Ansys, COMSOL, or equivalent).
• Work with optical fiber assemblies and ensure seamless integration with high-speed photonic systems.
• Perform experimental validation and characterization of silicon photonic devices in the lab.
• Collaborate closely with optomechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure system-level integration.
• Lead design reviews and contribute to the development of optical test plans, specifications, and manufacturing guidelines.
• Support the development of intellectual property (IP) and contribute to patent filings related to novel silicon photonic designs.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of silicon photonics design methodologies.

Qualifications

• PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of industry experience in silicon photonics design, development, and productization.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and optimizing photonic integrated circuits, including grating couplers, waveguides, SOAs, and photodetectors.
• Proven track record of taking silicon photonic devices from concept through to commercial production using leading foundries.
• Hands-on experience working with PDKs, performing DFM/DFT, and managing tape-outs.
• Experience characterizing and validating silicon photonic devices in a laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with optical fiber coupling and high-speed photonics applications.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical information to diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills

• Industry experience in optical communications, quantum computing, optical computing, or augmented reality (AR).
• Knowledge of advanced photonic integration techniques and emerging photonics technologies.
• Experience with high-speed photonics and signal integrity in integrated systems.
• Proficiency in scripting or programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for design automation and analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership experience or the potential to build and manage a technical team.

What We Offer

• A pivotal role in an innovative startup redefining the future of AI hardware.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Competitive compensation, including salary and equity options.
• Opportunities for career growth and future team leadership.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities.