PIC Designer - Advanced Photonics

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

Gardena, CA | On-site
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.
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
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