Senior Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Coherent•Horsham, PA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves designing and taping out silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs), including integrated coherent receivers and transmitters. The engineer will be responsible for preparing PIC layouts using industry-standard design flows, implementing parametric layout cells, and developing/simulating passive and active photonic devices. The position requires performing various electromagnetic, optical, and electrical simulations, supporting the development of photonic components for multiple foundries, and collaborating closely with external foundries for successful PIC design and tapeout. It also involves conducting design corner analysis, post-layout simulations, developing compact models for system-level verification, and working with interdisciplinary teams across product development phases, from New Product Introduction (NPI) to high-volume manufacturing. The role includes participation in design reviews, documentation, technical presentations, and mentoring junior engineers.

Requirements

PhD or MS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or related field.
Typically 5+ years of experience in silicon photonics design, integrated photonics, or optical communication systems.
Proven experience with silicon photonics PIC tapeouts and foundry interactions.
Strong expertise in silicon photonics device physics and PIC design methodologies.
Experience with electromagnetic simulation and photonic design tools.
Familiarity with photonic foundry design kits (PDKs) and layout environments.
Strong understanding of optical communication systems and coherent optical architectures.
Experience with RF design and electro-optic device modeling.
Knowledge of packaging and fiber coupling techniques for photonic devices.
Programming experience for simulation automation and data analysis.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
Excellent collaboration skills for working with cross-functional engineering teams.
Authorized to work in US.

Responsibilities

Design and tapeout silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs) including integrated coherent receivers and integrated coherent transmitter PICs.
Design and prepare PIC layouts using industry-standard PIC design flows including: Synopsys OptoCompiler Cadence Virtuoso-based photonic design flows.
Implement parametric layout cells (PCells) and scripted layout generation to support scalable photonic circuit design.
Develop and simulate passive photonic components.
Model and simulate active photonic devices.
Perform electromagnetic, optical, and electrical simulations using tools such as: Lumerical (FDTD, MODE, DEVICE, INTERCONNECT) CST Microwave Studio HFSS Tidy3D ADS Other PIC design and verification tools as required.
Support the local development of photonic components for multiple silicon photonics foundries and technology platforms.
Work closely with external silicon photonics foundries to successfully design, verify, and tapeout advanced PICs.
Conduct design corner analysis to ensure device robustness across process, voltage, temperature, and fabrication variations.
Perform post-layout simulations and verification, including optical, RF, and electro-optic performance validation.
Develop compact models and simulation workflows for system-level verification of photonic circuits.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including: Electronics / IC design Packaging engineering Optical system engineering Test engineering Reliability engineering Manufacturing and operations.
Support product development through New Product Introduction (NPI) phases including prototype validation, characterization, and design improvements.
Work with reliability engineering teams to define qualification plans, including lifetime testing, environmental stress testing, and failure analysis.
Support transition from prototype to high-volume manufacturing, including: Design for manufacturability (DFM) Process variation mitigation Yield optimization Test strategy development Production monitoring and yield analysis.
Participate in design reviews, documentation, and technical presentations.
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to best practices for silicon photonic design within the organization.
Follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System (depending on location).
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.: Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work.