Photonics Design Engineer (United States)

About Spark Photonics

Spark Photonics is an independent photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design services and software company in the United States. We are an ambitious, dynamic, and growing company at the forefront of integrated photonics, working with leading silicon, silicon nitride, III-V, and lithium niobate/tantalate foundries worldwide. Our customers range from stealth-mode startups to large companies and government agencies.

We offer the following services and products to our customers:

• Integrated photonics design and layout, including process design kit (PDK) development
• Consulting on PIC designs and applications
• Luceda Photonics Design Platform sales and support as the North American partner of Luceda Photonics, an established PIC design software company

Job Summary

The Photonics Design Engineer will work closely with Spark’s customers and partners to deliver PIC component and circuit designs, layouts, and technical consultation, covering a wide variety of end-use applications.

The ideal candidate is curious, inventive, able to deal with uncertainty, and motivated to tackle challenging projects for our customers. This is an outstanding opportunity for an individual who is looking to make a large impact in the world of integrated photonics.

The Photonics Design Engineer position will be full-time and remote from anywhere in the United States.

Requirements for this position include:

• Must be a United States Person (citizen or permanent resident)
• English language proficiency with outstanding communication skills
• At least 3 years of experience in PIC design and layout in a course of study and/or a job
• Comfort working directly with commercial and defense industry customers

Preferred abilities and experience:

• 1-3 years of experience working in a customer-facing technical role
• Moderate to high proficiency in Python scripting
• Experience with PIC design and layout software (Luceda IPKISS, Ansys Lumerical, or similar)
• Knowledge of PIC testing, assembly, and packaging
• Ability to travel occasionally for conferences and other in-person events

What we offer:

• A challenging and rewarding role at the cutting edge of photonic technology
• Completely remote work with flexible work arrangements
• Competitive salary plus 401(k), medical/dental, and performance-based incentives

Start date: Ideally in October or November 2026

Spark Photonics is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.