Photonic Integrated Circuit Engineer

The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) is hiring a Photonic Integrated Circuit Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical Staff – Optical and Photonic Systems) to perform research and development and support program needs with a focus on design, test, and measurement of PIC technology. The candidate must demonstrate a deep understanding in this field with relevant work experience, either in previous employment and/or during PhD studies. ## What You’ll Be Doing - Ideate novel PIC devices, circuits, and/or sub-systems. - Design, tape out, test, and measure novel PIC structures in commercial fabs. - Plan and execute experiments and data analysis focused on characterization, performance metrics, and reliability. - Simulate and extract useful information to understand experimental results and aid in developing novel PIC architectures. - Propose new research and development projects and directions in the field of PICs. - Engage with space programs, customers, and external collaborators by providing technical guidance in design reviews, synthesizing information on current technology trends, and providing subject matter expertise when needed. - Keep up to date with the latest literature. - Collaborate with staff within the department and organization on additional projects. - Work with management on creating and executing project budgets and schedules. - Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed. - Training and mentorship will be provided. - Optionally attend conferences and publish in the literature. ## Minimum Requirements - PhD degree from an accredited college or university program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related discipline; pursuing the degree or conferred within the last 12 months. - 0–1 year of industry work experience. - Laboratory experience with photonic, electronic, quantum, and/or RF systems and components. - Experience with simulation, design, layout, and fabrication of integrated photonic devices and systems, including simulation software such as Lumerical or equivalents and layout software such as KLayout, Spark Photonics, GDSfactory, or equivalent. - Demonstrated ability to use foundry PDKs to design and manufacture integrated photonics is strongly required. - Knowledge of a variety of material platforms used in integrated photonics, such as silicon, lithium niobate, lithium tantalate, and indium phosphide, is desired. - Data analytics skills in Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or related languages are required. - Ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects. - Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively convey technical information orally and in writing. - Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites, approximately 10%, as required. - Ability to efficiently incorporate Claude Code into daily workflow for instrument control, data analytics, and other tasks. - Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. - Transcripts. ## How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: - Active security clearance. - Knowledge of RF photonics and its applications. - Knowledge of high-frequency opto-electrical test and measurement with a VNA. - Knowledge of photonic device fabrication and heterogeneous integration across material platforms. - Experience with component- or system-level photonics simulation packages such as Ansys Lumerical and/or VPI Photonics. - Publications in the field of integrated photonics are strongly preferred. - Experience giving short and concise technical presentations at conferences or large internal meetings. ## Work Location The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, onsite at the facility in El Segundo, CA.