Photonic Integrated Circuit Designer – Silicon Photonics & High-Speed Optical Systems

Gardena, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

A venture-backed hardware company is developing advanced optical systems designed for high-performance applications at scale. The team is focused on bringing photonic technologies out of research environments and into production, with an emphasis on performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

This role is centered on designing and delivering photonic integrated circuits that serve as the foundation of next-generation optical hardware. You will work across photonics, RF, and system-level engineering to translate circuit concepts into production-ready components. The position offers direct involvement in architecture, simulation, validation, and manufacturing integration.

About Us

We are an early-stage engineering team building integrated optical and electronic systems for high-volume deployment. The company combines deep technical expertise with a focus on scalable manufacturing, enabling advanced photonic technologies to move from prototype to production.

Job Duties

• Design and simulate photonic integrated circuit components including modulators, photodiodes, filters, waveguides, couplers, and switches
• Define performance requirements and interface specifications across optical and electrical domains
• Develop layouts and routing for PIC designs across multiple material platforms
• Model and optimize optical interfaces at the package level, including coupling strategies and alignment approaches
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across DSP, ASIC, electro-optics, and system engineering to define system behavior
• Perform lab-based characterization of optical and electrical performance for PIC components
• Develop and automate test methodologies for validation, screening, and production metrology
• Support transition to manufacturing, including test development, qualification, and process feedback
• Utilize simulation tools to validate performance and guide design decisions
• Contribute to RF, analog, and mixed-signal design efforts where required
• Work with external partners and suppliers to refine processes and ensure reliable component performance

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in photonic or electro-optical integrated circuit design
• Hands-on experience with optical and RF lab instrumentation such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and network analyzers
• Strong understanding of photonic device behavior and system integration principles
• Ability to work across design, simulation, and lab validation environments
• Willingness to support demanding development timelines when needed

Preferred Experience

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline
• Experience with electrical simulation tools such as SPICE or similar platforms
• Familiarity with DSP techniques and optical communication metrics such as OSNR and receiver sensitivity
• Experience designing high-speed circuits for optical communication systems, including bandwidths in the tens of GHz
• Knowledge of modulation formats such as NRZ and PAM4
• Experience with RF and mixed-signal circuit design including drivers, amplifiers, and filtering
• Experience with probe-card PCB design or high-speed test interfaces
• Experience characterizing integrated photonic and electronic systems for high-speed links

Why Join Us

• Equity participation and performance-based incentives
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
• Paid parental leave and flexible PTO policy
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
• Relocation support for candidates moving to the Los Angeles area

Compensation Details

Salary range: $160,000 – $200,000

#LI-AV