PIC Designer - Advanced Photonics

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

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