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) utilizing thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN), and we are excited to expand our platform with integrated III-V active devices. We are looking for a talented PIC Design Engineer with deep expertise in modeling and designing active photonic components to join us on 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 take the lead in simulating, designing, and optimizing these devices, developing compact models for our process design kit (PDK), and supporting the integration of these elements into complete photonic circuits. Your contributions will directly shape the active device layer of our innovative 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 guide 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. Integrate 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. 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 improvements.
- Technical Expertise: Stay informed about advances in III-V integration, hybrid bonding, and active PIC packaging. Apply your insights to continuously enhance Lightium’s platform.
- Documentation: Maintain clear records of device designs, simulation parameters, and integration strategies.
- Customer & Project Support: Occasionally provide support for customer designs or public-funded R&D projects, contributing 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. Proficiency in photonics simulation software (COMSOL or Lumerical) and band gap simulation tools (Silvaco, Photon Design, Ansys Semiconductor, etc.) is essential. Experience in the PIC industry is a significant advantage.
- Additional Knowledge: Advanced skills with RF high-speed (UTC detectors) and RF simulation tools (HFSS, CST, etc.). Experience in micro-transfer printing, coupon or tether design, photonic characterization, and microfabrication is a plus.
- Problem Solving & Proactiveness: A strong analytical mind with the ability to model and improve complex multi-physics systems. Autonomy in identifying, owning, and solving challenges is crucial.
- Adaptability: The capability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.
- Communication Skills: A collaborative mindset with the ability to present technical work clearly to diverse teams. Fluency in English is required.
What We Offer
- A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
- A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will help shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.
- A competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP) reflecting your experience and expertise.
- The chance to become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a motivated, energetic team, with opportunities for rapid professional growth and skill development.
We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about building new technology from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative, results-oriented environment. Apply online using the form below. 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.