Join Our Team as a PIC Design Engineer
Do you envision designing the photonic engines at the forefront of tomorrow’s communication and quantum systems? At Lightium, we are pioneering advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs) using thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) technology and are now expanding with integrated III-V active devices. We are seeking a highly skilled PIC Design Engineer with extensive expertise in modeling and designing active photonic components to help us achieve this exciting milestone.
Position Summary
We are looking for a PIC Designer focused on III-V-based active components such as lasers, semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs), and photodetectors. In this role, you will lead the simulation, design, and optimization of these devices, develop compact models for our process design kit (PDK), and help integrate these elements into comprehensive photonic circuits. Your work will play a significant 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 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 and integrate them into our PDK with tools such as GDS Factory, Luceda Photonics - IPKISS, Nazca, or Synopsys.
- Circuit Integration: Support circuit-level layout and simulation of PICs, integrating both passive and active components, and contribute to co-simulation of optical and RF behavior at the circuit level.
- Collaboration: Work closely with fabrication, characterization, and packaging teams to validate designs, support test plans, and iterate on performance improvements.
- Technical Expertise: Stay updated on advances in III-V integration, hybrid bonding, and active PIC packaging, applying this knowledge to enhance Lightium’s platform continuously.
- Documentation: Maintain clear records of device designs, simulation parameters, and integration strategies.
- Customer & Project Support: Occasionally support customer designs or public-funded R&D projects by providing technical expertise and simulation input.
What Our Ideal Candidate Brings
- Education & Experience: A PhD in III-V design or 3+ years of relevant experience, including proficiency with photonic simulation software (e.g., COMSOL or Lumerical) and band gap simulation tools (e.g., Silvaco, Photon Design, Ansys Semiconductor). Experience in the PIC industry is highly advantageous.
- Additional Knowledge: Advanced experience with RF high-speed UTC detectors and RF simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST). Familiarity with micro-transfer printing, photonic characterization, and microfabrication.
- Problem Solving & Proactiveness: Strong analytical skills and the ability to model and improve complex multi-physics systems, demonstrating autonomy in identifying and resolving challenges.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic startup environment, showcasing flexibility and resilience in the face of change.
- Communication Skills: A collaborative mindset with excellent ability to present technical work clearly to diverse teams. Fluency in English is required.
What We Offer
- A unique opportunity to lead a groundbreaking manufacturing initiative in the rapidly evolving 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), commensurate with your experience and expertise.
- An opportunity to be a key player in an early-phase startup, joining a motivated and energetic team, with prospects for rapid personal and professional growth.
We’d love to hear from you if you are passionate about building new technology from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative, results-driven environment. 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.