Sr. Photonics Process Simulation Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Sr. Photonics Process Simulation Engineer. Location: Santa Clara, California, USA

Responsibilities:

• Build, maintain, and operate an integrated, closed-loop simulation pipeline that processes inline fabrication data, simulates process variations, and generates predicted 3D geometries for optical loss solvers.

• Use physics-based simulations, finite element modeling, stochastic lithography modeling, and 3D virtual fabrication tools to model feature-scale geometries and line edge roughness (LER) in etched structures.

• Propose, simulate, and validate experimental wafer splits to optimize plasma etch chemistry, mask erosion, taper angles, and sidewall smoothing across key photonics material systems.

• Establish the roadmap for process optimization, virtual fabrication, and predictive modeling;

• Integrate inline fabrication metrics, top-down and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and optical loss testing into the simulation framework.

• Continuously calibrate surface reaction and etch physics models against experimental measurements.

• Bridge the work of fabrication module engineers across lithography, etching, and thin films with optical design teams.

• Ensure process development supports quantum hardware requirements and helps achieve industry-leading propagation loss in photonic integrated circuits.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Microelectronics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

• At least 6 years of hands-on experience in semiconductor process simulation, including optical or electron-beam lithography, plasma dry-etch modeling, technology computer-aided design (TCAD), or related areas.
• Deep proficiency with commercial semiconductor process simulation tools, such as:
  • Silvaco Victory Process
  • Synopsys Sentaurus
  • KLA PROLITH
  • Coventor SEMulator3D

• Experience in process development for integrated photonics and/or compound semiconductor platforms.

• Experience with finite element modeling of photonics and/or semiconductor devices.

Preferred:

• Experience establishing simulation pipelines from the ground up, including simulation tool selection, pipeline architecture, and technical roadmapping.

• Experience integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with process simulation platforms.

• Proven technical leadership, including directing engineering subteams or complex cross-functional projects.

• Familiarity with stochastic roughness extraction algorithms, such as MetroLER, and optical scattering loss physics;

• Strong foundational knowledge of plasma-surface interaction kinetics, ion sputtering dynamics, and sidewall roughness mitigation techniques.

• Proficiency in Python and SQL data pipelines for automating data exchange between inline fabrication databases, TCAD engines, and electromagnetic wave solvers.

• Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools such as Ansys Lumerical and COMSOL.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary: $150,000 to $200,000 USD per year.

• Equity eligibility.

• Employee benefits.

• Salary will be determined based on the candidate's location, experience, and internal compensation benchmarks.

Other Information:

• Work arrangement: Hybrid.

• Position: Newly opened role.

• Company values: Learn more on the Xanadu values page.

• Equal opportunity: Xanadu welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive, safe, equitable, and accessible workplace.

• Workplace accommodations: Candidates requiring accommodations during recruitment can contact recruiting@xanadu.ai.

• AI in recruitment: Xanadu may use AI tools to assist with application screening and assessment. These tools support the recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are made by humans.