Photonics Circuit Designer

Job Description

Job Title: Photonics Circuit Designer. Location: Palo Alto, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite (PhD level role)

Responsibilities:

• Perform data-driven modeling of linear photonic devices across multiple scales using advanced simulation techniques
• Design, simulate, and optimize integrated photonic circuits for quantum computing applications
• Conduct full circuit-level simulations, including photon-pair generation using spontaneous four-wave mixing
• Develop schematic representations of complex photonic systems;
• Coordinate and support photonic circuit layout design and verification
• Analyze performance data of photonic devices and circuits to identify optimization opportunities
• Collaborate with device design and experimental characterization teams for validation of circuit performance
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure scalable and manufacturable photonic designs
• Contribute to documentation of simulation workflows, assumptions, and technical results

Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• At least 5 years of experience in integrated photonics research or industry work
• Strong understanding of photonic device physics and performance metrics;
• Extensive experience with photonic design and electromagnetic simulation tools
• Experience with integrated photonic circuit layout and design workflows
• Strong programming skills in Python for scientific computing and data analysis
• Excellent communication skills for technical collaboration across teams

Preferred:

• Experience using commercial photonic simulation platforms
• Familiarity with quantum photonic systems and scalable architectures
• Experience with advanced computational tools for circuit modeling
• Exposure to Wolfram Language is a plus;
• Strong background in interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering and physics teams

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary range: $120,000 – $165,000 depending on location and experience
• Equity participation for full-time employees;
• Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare coverage and employee support programs
• Opportunity to work on large-scale, utility-focused quantum computing systems
• Collaboration with global industry partners and leading research teams

Other Information:

• Role is part of a mission to build fault-tolerant million-qubit quantum computing systems
• Focus on silicon photonics-based scalable quantum architecture;
• Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion
• Application requires attention to detail and may include specific instructions such as cover letter requirements