Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Nokia • New York, NY

1d • $125,000 - $200,000

About The Position

The Silicon Photonics Design Engineer will lead the architecture and development of next-generation optical engines in advanced silicon photonics process technologies for high-performance pluggable optics and embedded solutions serving coherent DWDM long-haul and metro transport applications. The role covers product definition, photonic integrated circuit (PIC) architecture and specifications, design, fabrication, testing, and analysis of photonic devices and systems-on-chip.

The engineer will drive performance analysis and optimization across coherent optical transport links, establish design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing practices, and guide technical reviews. The position works cross-functionally with photonics design, RFIC/EIC, DSP, packaging, product engineering, foundry technology partners, test development, and product leadership to support scalable design automation, simulation frameworks, test infrastructure, and manufacturable coherent optical solutions.

Requirements

• MS or Ph.D. in integrated optics silicon photonics, electrical engineering, or applied physics.
• At least 5 years of industry experience in silicon photonics, integrated optics, or a relevant field.
• Extensive technical expertise in silicon photonics device design, including device performance characterization and validation.
• Laboratory experience in optical engineering test, fiber-waveguide coupling, and design verification testing.
• Experience in RF design, test, and characterization of photonic devices using equipment such as VNAs and spectrum analyzers.
• Solid programming skills in Python or C/C++.
• General understanding of physics concepts, especially optics or electromagnetics.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a Nokia intern or co-op.
• Proficiency with optics design tools such as Lumerical.
• Experience designing or characterizing silicon photonic or other integrated optical/optoelectronic devices or circuits.
• Strong understanding of fiber optics and integrated optics.
• Experience in photonic integrated circuit design, modeling, and layout.
• Solid numerical and physics-related programming skills.
• Experience with high-frequency design and modeling.

Responsibilities

• Drive the architecture and development of next-generation optical engines in advanced silicon photonics process technologies for high-performance pluggable optics and embedded coherent DWDM long-haul and metro transport solutions.
• Own product definition, PIC architecture innovation, and specifications for integrated photonic circuits supporting coherent Tx/Rx signal processing chains, critical optical components, and test methodologies.
• Develop and optimize link budgets for coherent optical transport links by analyzing system performance, channel impairments, chromatic dispersion, polarization effects, active and passive component margins, and foundry process capabilities.
• Champion design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing practices, including photonic device characterization strategies and test protocols for rapid volume ramp and high-yield manufacturing.
• Lead design reviews as a silicon photonic component design subject matter expert, setting technical direction for system-level performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability.
• Drive cross-functional execution with photonics design, RFIC/EIC, DSP, packaging, product engineering, foundry technology partners, test development, and product leadership.
• Architect and deploy scalable design automation, simulation frameworks, and test infrastructure to accelerate coherent optics solutions.
• Lead development from design and fabrication through testing and analysis for photonic devices and systems-on-chip.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior