Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Designer

PIC Designer - Develop Next-Generation Optical Hardware

Los Angeles, California | On-site

Opportunity Summary

A rapidly growing venture-backed technology company is developing advanced optical hardware designed to enable the next generation of high-performance communications, sensing, and computing systems. The team is focused on scaling sophisticated photonic technologies from research and development into manufacturable products capable of supporting large-scale deployment. As a Photonic Integrated Circuit Designer, you will lead the design, simulation, characterization, and production development of critical optical building blocks used in advanced integrated photonic systems. This role combines photonic device design, high-speed electrical interfaces, testing, and manufacturing collaboration to deliver production-ready hardware that performs reliably in demanding applications.

About Us

We are an early-stage deep technology company building advanced optical and photonic systems for high-volume deployment. Our team brings together expertise across photonics, electronics, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering to transform complex technologies into scalable products. We operate in a fast-paced environment where engineers have direct ownership of product development from concept through production.

Job Duties

• Design and simulate integrated photonic devices including modulators, photodiodes, filters, waveguides, couplers, splitters, switches, and related optical components
• Develop photonic circuits across multiple material platforms and process technologies
• Define performance requirements and interface specifications for optical and electrical subsystems
• Design and optimize package-level optical interfaces, including fiber coupling solutions
• Collaborate with electrical, software, signal processing, and systems engineering teams to define overall product functionality
• Perform photonic circuit layout, routing, and design verification
• Characterize optical and electrical device performance through laboratory testing and measurement
• Develop automated test methodologies for validation, manufacturing screening, and production metrology
• Support qualification and production test development activities alongside manufacturing and test engineering teams
• Utilize industry-standard simulation and modeling tools to validate device performance and design tradeoffs
• Contribute to high-speed electrical, analog, and RF design efforts where applicable
• Work closely with external suppliers and fabrication partners to improve process capability, yield, and device performance

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3+ years of experience designing photonic or electro-optical integrated circuits
• Experience modeling and analyzing photonic devices and integrated optical systems
• Hands-on experience using optical and RF laboratory test equipment
• Ability to troubleshoot device performance through measurement, simulation, and data analysis
• Strong understanding of photonic device physics and integrated optical systems
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving hardware development environment

Preferred Experience

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline
• Experience with silicon photonics or compound semiconductor photonic platforms
• Familiarity with electrical simulation and circuit modeling tools
• Knowledge of digital signal processing concepts used in high-speed communication systems
• Experience designing or analyzing high-speed analog and mixed-signal circuits
• Familiarity with optical communication system performance metrics and link analysis
• Experience supporting high-speed data transmission systems exceeding 100 Gb/s
• Knowledge of advanced modulation formats and communication architectures
• Experience designing RF test hardware, probe interfaces, or characterization fixtures
• Background characterizing integrated photonic and electronic devices within high-speed optical systems

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to help shape foundational photonic technologies from development through production
• Meaningful ownership and technical influence within a growing engineering organization
• Exposure to multidisciplinary challenges spanning photonics, electronics, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering
• Long-term equity participation through company stock options
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
• Flexible paid time off and company holidays
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
• Relocation assistance available

Compensation Details

$160,000 - $200,000

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