Photonic Design Engineer / Photonic Design Engineeress

Join Our Team as a PIC Design Engineer

Do you dream of designing the photonic engines at the heart of tomorrow’s communication and quantum systems? At Lightium, we are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits (PICs) based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN), and we are excited to expand our platform with integrated III-V active devices. We are searching for a skilled PIC Design Engineer with significant expertise in modeling and designing active photonic components to help us reach this next milestone.

Position Summary

We are seeking a PIC Designer with a strong focus on III-V-based active components, including lasers, semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs), and photodetectors. You will lead the simulation, design, and optimization of these devices, develop compact models for our process design kit (PDK), and support the integration of these elements into complete photonic circuits. Your work will play a crucial role in shaping the active device layer of our hybrid TFLN platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Active Device Design: Design and optimize III-V-based layer stacks for lasers, SOAs, and photodetectors using FEM, FDTD, and semiconductor modeling tools. Simulate optical, electrical, and thermal performance to inform layer stack design, device layout, and fabrication.
• Hybrid Integration: Collaborate on co-design between TFLN passive circuits and III-V active regions, ensuring alignment between optical mode matching, coupling strategies, and process constraints.
• PDK Modeling: Develop compact physical and behavioral models of active devices for use in system-level simulations, integrating them into our PDK using tools such as GDS Factory, Luceda Photonics - IPKISS, Nazca, or Synopsys.
• Circuit Integration: Support circuit-level layout and simulation of PICs, incorporating both passive and active components, and contribute to the co-simulation of optical and RF behavior at the circuit level.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the fabrication, characterization, and packaging teams to validate designs, support test plans, and iterate on performance enhancements.
• Technical Expertise: Keep up with advances in III-V integration, hybrid bonding, and active PIC packaging, applying insights to continuously enhance Lightium’s platform.
• Documentation: Maintain clear records of device designs, simulation parameters, and integration strategies.
• Customer & Project Support: Occasionally assist in customer designs or public-funded R&D projects, providing technical expertise and simulation input.

What Our Ideal Candidate Brings

• Education & Experience: A PhD in III-V design or 3+ years of III-V work experience, including simulation software proficiency in photonics simulation (e.g., COMSOL or Lumerical) and band gap simulation (e.g., Silvaco, Photon Design, Ansys Semiconductor). Experience in the PIC industry is highly valued.
• Additional Knowledge: Advanced experience with RF high-speed (UTC detectors) and RF simulation tools (HFSS, CST, etc.), as well as knowledge in micro-transfer printing and coupon or tether design, photonic characterization, and microfabrication.
• Problem Solving & Proactiveness: Robust analytical skills for modeling and improving complex multi-physics systems, with the capacity to autonomously identify and resolve challenges.
• Adaptability: The ability to succeed in a fast-paced startup environment, displaying flexibility and resilience amidst change.
• Communication Skills: A collaborative mindset capable of presenting technical work clearly to diverse teams, with fluency in English.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead in a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative within the rapidly growing field of photonics.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will impact the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.
• A competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP) that reflects your experience and expertise.
• The chance to become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a dynamic and motivated team, providing you with the opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace.

If you are passionate about building new technology from the ground up and thriving in a collaborative, results-driven environment, we'd love to hear from you. Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.