Principal Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Job Title

Principal Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Role Summary

Lead the design, simulation, and verification of silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for high-speed optical communication and computing. Collaborate with process, layout, testing, electronics, packaging, and systems teams to deliver manufacturable, high-performance photonic solutions.

Experience Level

Senior — typically requires 5+ years of experience in silicon photonics or integrated photonic design.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead architecture, design, and optimization of silicon photonic building blocks and Tx/Rx subsystems.
• Design and analyze components such as modulators (MRM, MZI), photodetectors, waveguides, couplers, splitters, and heaters.
• Perform optical, electrical, and thermal simulations using industry-standard tools.
• Evaluate PDKs, ensure design-rule compliance, and apply layout-aware optimization.
• Support chip tape-out, lab characterization, and correlation between simulation and measurement.
• Produce and maintain design documentation, specifications, and participate in design reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to design best practices and methodologies.
• Collaborate with system, packaging, and test teams to ensure end-to-end performance.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience:

• Minimum ~5 years of hands-on experience in silicon photonics or integrated photonic design.
• Deep practical knowledge of optical waveguides, modulators, photodetectors, and PIC integration.
• Experience with simulation tools such as Lumerical, IPKISS, Photon Design, or equivalent.
• Solid understanding of CMOS-compatible fabrication processes and PDK-driven design.
• Proven track record taking designs from concept through tape-out and measurement correlation.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills; experience mentoring junior engineers.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with multi-lane optical transceivers and high-speed optical links.
• Experience with packaging, system integration, or test methodology for photonic devices.

Education Requirements

Master's (MSc) or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or a related technical field as stated in the posting.

About the Company

Company: GlobalFoundries

Headquarters: Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

GlobalFoundries is a leading contract manufacturer for the global semiconductor industry, with facilities in multiple countries, including the USA. The company develops a broad portfolio of semiconductor technologies and employs around 13,000 people worldwide. GlobalFoundries focuses on enhancing competitiveness in specialized application solutions and fostering innovation in mobile communications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications.