Photonic IC Designer – Help Launch the Next Generation of Optical Computing!

Gardena, CA (Onsite)

Opportunity Summary

A stealth-mode deep tech startup is on a mission to redefine high-speed computing by building full-stack optical systems, from silicon to factory floor. Backed by experienced founders and early-stage investors, we’re developing a scalable platform that blends photonics, advanced manufacturing, and custom hardware into a vertically integrated solution. We’re hiring a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Designer to own the development of our core photonic chips. This role combines simulation, layout, tape-out, and close collaboration with test and packaging teams to ensure our first product meets performance, yield, and production readiness standards.

About Us

We’re a Los Angeles-based startup operating in stealth, focused on building the foundation for scalable, light-powered computing. Our founding team includes deep tech veterans with experience across hardware, optics, and manufacturing automation. We’re creating novel optical hardware alongside custom software and facilities designed to manufacture it at scale all under one roof.

Job Duties

• Own design and layout of next-gen silicon photonics chips for high-performance optical interconnects
• Work with foundry PDKs, and extend them where needed with custom compact models, layout cells, or verification checks
• Use FDTD and EM solvers to simulate and optimize waveguides, couplers, interferometers, and other photonic components for loss, phase, and bandwidth
• Develop and oversee test plans, including wafer probing and benchtop measurements to validate device behavior against simulation
• Collaborate across electrical, mechanical, and software teams to optimize full-system link budgets, thermal profiles, and control schemes
• Support bring-up, debug, and iteration during prototype validation and production ramp-up
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to building a high-performance photonic design team

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Optics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Physics
• 5+ years of hands-on experience designing photonic ICs, with at least one completed tape-out for production
• Proficiency with photonic layout tools and FDTD/EM simulation software
• Understanding of optical link characterization and integration with electronic drivers
• Strong fundamentals in waveguide design, optical loss modeling, and photonic systems
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative development environment

Preferred Experience

• Experience with LiNbO₃, SOA/EDFA integration, or coherent Tx/Rx architectures
• Familiarity with control firmware (Python, C++) for electro-optic and thermo-optic tuning
• Understanding of high-speed modulation formats and photonic packaging strategies
• Comfort designing for manufacturing yield and reliability in volume production environments

Why Join Us

• Be a key contributor to the development of core photonic technology in a venture-backed startup
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary technical team on cutting-edge hardware
• Early equity and ownership opportunities in a company poised for scale
• Flexible work culture and high autonomy
• Paid parental leave and generous vacation policy
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation support to Los Angeles

Compensation Details

$140,000 - $200,000 plus equity

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