Sr. Principal Engineer, Photonics Solutions

Job Details: Job Description: Intel Integrated Photonics Solutions (IPS) stands at the forefront of silicon photonics integration and commercialization. Since announcing the world's first hybrid silicon laser nearly a decade ago, our team continues to lead the industry with cutting-edge technology and efficient, scalable high-volume manufacturing. Our mission is to enable the next generation of data centers and AI infrastructure through transformative silicon photonics solutions. From 400G to 3.2T+ and beyond, we're driving unprecedented bandwidth growth while achieving smaller form factors through advanced packaging and system integration. As data demands scale exponentially and AI workloads reshape computing architecture, Intel Silicon Photonics provides the foundational technology enabling this transformation. We seek an exceptional Senior Principal Engineer to lead the overarching photonics product architecture for silicon photonics AI connectivity solutions, with particular focus on Optical Computer Interconnect (OCI) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) die-stack solutions. As our Senior Principal Engineer, you will drive delivery of photonics solutions meeting the strategic technical vision for next-generation AI infrastructure connectivity, working with cross-functional teams to deliver breakthrough photonic products that enable massive AI compute scaling. This role offers the unique opportunity to design AI connectivity solutions by defining system-level product architectures that enable unprecedented AI compute density and performance, drive strategic technology roadmaps by engaging in Intel's Silicon Photonics strategy for AI infrastructure, lead technical excellence across domains by orchestrating seamless integration between photonic components, electronic interfaces, thermal management, packaging and AI system requirements, and pioneer next-generation solutions by spearheading development of novel architectures including 112Gbaud+ connectivity, advanced multi-wavelength systems, and innovative packaging approaches for AI workloads. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or similar discipline with 8+ years of experience in a related field and 8+ years of relevant industry experience • 8+ years of experience in silicon photonics system architecture and integration from concept to high volume manufacturing • Extensive (10+ years) experience in designing and architecting photonic systems for high-performance computing or AI applications • Proven track record of leading complex, multi-disciplinary technical programs involving photonic systems • Deep expertise in optical interconnect architecture • Strong background in AI/ML infrastructure requirements and compute interconnect scaling challenges • Experience with system-level modeling and/or performance optimization for high-bandwidth optical links • Demonstrated technical leadership experience directing the work of senior engineering teams • Cross-functional collaboration skills: working with AI hardware, process, test, packaging, and applications teams • Executive communication abilities: presenting strategic technical vision to senior leadership and external partners • Strategic problem-solving mindset: demonstrated ability to architect solutions for complex system-level challenges Preferred Qualifications • Technical leadership experience: leading large, multi-site engineering organizations • Deep experience with AI training and inference infrastructure requirements (GPU clusters, distributed computing) • Knowledge of advanced packaging technologies for high-density optical interconnects • Experience with industry standards development (OIF, IEEE, OCP) for optical interconnects • Familiarity with foundry/fab ecosystems and supply chain management for photonic solutions • Publications in peer-reviewed journals on optical interconnects or AI infrastructure • Customer-facing experience with hyperscale data center operators and AI companies • Exposure to: advanced modulation formats, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), optical switching architectures, thermal management for high-density optics • Experience with co-design methodologies linking photonic hardware with AI software stacks • Knowledge of emerging technologies: linear-drive modulators, advanced detector arrays, optical switching matrices Job Type: Experienced Hire Shift: Shift 1 (United States of America) Primary Location: US, California, Santa Clara Additional Locations: Business group: At the Data Center Group (DCG), we're committed to delivering exceptional products and delighting our customers. We offer both broad-market Xeon-based solutions and custom x86-based products, ensuring tailored innovation for diverse needs across general-purpose compute, web services, HPC, and AI-accelerated systems. Our charter encompasses defining business strategy and roadmaps, product management, developing ecosystems and business opportunities, delivering strong financial performance, and reinvigorating x86 leadership. Join us as we transform the data center segment through workload driven leadership products and close collaboration with our partners. Posting Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance. Position of Trust This role is a Position of Trust. Should you accept this position, you must consent to and pass an extended Background Investigation, which includes (subject to country law), extended education, SEC sanctions, and additional criminal and civil checks. For internals, this investigation may or may not be completed prior to starting the position. For additional questions, please contact your Recruiter. Benefits We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel. Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $256,050.00-361,480.00 USD The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Work Model for this Role This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter. Intel’s official careers website. Find your next job and take on projects that shape tomorrow’s technology. Benefits Internships Life at Intel Locations Recruitment Process