R&D Engineering Staff Engineer

Job Title

R&D Engineering Staff Engineer

Role Summary

Senior R&D engineering role focused on developing and improving computational photonics simulation software used in photonic device design and automation tools.

The role works on Maxwell-based solvers and related workflows, implementing performance-critical C++ code and Python automation inside an existing R&D codebase. Reasonable accommodation is available: hr-help-canada@synopsys.com.

Experience Level

Senior-level (Staff). Years of experience not specified.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include development, validation, and maintenance of photonics simulation methods and related workflows.

• Develop and enhance computational photonics software for design automation and simulation tools.
• Build, debug, and validate Maxwell-based simulation methods such as DGTD, FDTD, RCWA, STACK, or related solvers at micron scale.
• Implement and optimize simulation algorithms in C++ for performance-critical solver code and Python for automation and workflows.
• Support photonic design optimization workflows, including inverse design methodologies.
• Extend and maintain an existing R&D codebase; diagnose and fix complex simulation failures.
• Collaborate with R&D engineers to design, test, and deliver technical solutions that impact product performance.

Requirements

Required technical skills and experience. Degrees and formal education requirements are summarized separately below.

• Proven experience in computational photonics and electromagnetic simulation grounded in Maxwell's equations.
• Practical knowledge of numerical methods such as DGTD, FDTD, RCWA, or similar electromagnetic solvers.
• Strong programming skills in C++ for performance-critical systems and Python for scripting and automation.
• Experience with scientific computing, computational modeling, or numerical simulation in R&D or production environments.
• Ability to work productively inside an existing codebase, debug complex technical issues, and deliver reliable fixes.
• Experience tracing failures across physics, numerics, and code; strong attention to detail and engineering judgment.
• Nice-to-have: hands-on experience with photonic device/component design, optimization, or inverse-design methodologies.

Education Requirements

PhD in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or Computer Science with a focus on Photonics or Optics; or a Master’s degree with equivalent hands-on experience in computational photonics (the posting allows Master’s + equivalent practical experience).

About the Company

Company: Synopsys

Headquarters: Mountain View, California, USA

Synopsys is a leading company in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP solutions. It provides tools and services for designing and verifying complex semiconductor devices and systems. The company plays a pivotal role in the semiconductor industry, helping engineers innovate and deliver higher-quality products faster. Synopsys is committed to advancing technology standards and offers a range of software and hardware solutions to its clients globally.