Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Researcher

PIC Researcher

About the Team:

Client's central research organization, focused on developing advanced electronic and photonic technologies that enable next-generation solutions. You will be part of a diverse, inclusive, and multidisciplinary team of experts working across areas such as mm-wave technologies, photonics, precision mechanical engineering, and software development. The team promotes creativity, collaboration, and innovation, providing an environment where new ideas are encouraged and individual contributions can have a meaningful impact.

Position Overview:

As a PIC Researcher within client Laboratories, you will leverage your expertise in integrated photonics to identify, develop, and implement innovative and practical solutions to complex technical challenges. Your initial responsibilities will include theoretical analysis, photonic device modeling and simulation, and photonic integrated circuit (PIC) layout and design. A strong understanding of integrated photonics, PIC probing, and photonic measurement techniques is essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities where they can provide strategic value to Client.
• Develop new measurement concepts, methodologies, and implementations that can create significant impact across Client's businesses.
• Translate innovative concepts into functional hardware and software prototypes to demonstrate technical feasibility.
• Collaborate closely with client business teams to transition successful research technologies into commercial products.
• Perform theoretical analysis, PIC device simulations, and layout activities as part of research and development projects.
• Characterize and evaluate photonic integrated circuits using appropriate probing and measurement techniques.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical solutions to challenging photonics and measurement problems.
• This is an on-site position based in Santa Clara, California, requiring close collaboration with colleagues to support innovation and effective teamwork.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant technical field such as Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, or a related discipline.
• At least 2 years of professional or research experience after completing a Ph.D.
• Demonstrated experience conducting innovative research in integrated photonics.

• Hands-on experience with PIC simulation, design, and layout tools such as Lumerical, Tidy3D, IPKISS, KLayout, or Cadence.
• Extensive practical experience characterizing PIC devices, including optical-to-optical (O-O), optical-to-electrical (O-E), and electrical-to-optical (E-O) devices.
• Experience with die-level or wafer-level probing of passive and active photonic integrated circuit devices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong self-motivation and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience developing PIC layouts using script-based or programmatic methods.
• Familiarity with PIC foundry processes, including tape-out and fabrication workflows.
• Experience with RF or microwave simulation and design.
• Background in photonic or electronic packaging technologies.
• Experience with laboratory automation using Python, including instrument control and automated data acquisition.