Photonics Engineer

Company OverviewAPIC Corporation, based in Culver City, California, has driven innovation in photonics for 25 years. We develop heterogeneously integrated photonic and electronics (chip-scale optical links and networks) that propel future computer systems beyond Moore’s Law. APIC's novel approaches and patented IP will deliver chip-scale photonic links that deliver Tbps bandwidth consuming less than 1 pJ/bit. Backed by $150 million in government grants and partnerships —we are shifting from R&D to prototyping and volume production of photonically enhanced edge and embedded computing platforms. Our vision is to architect next-generation AI data centers, supercomputers, and embedded AI systems that consume 23 times less energy than conventional systems.Why APIC?Work on leading-edge silicon photonics projects that redefine chip-to-chip communicationCollaborate with a multidisciplinary team of leading engineers and scientistsLeverage government-funded innovations and scale them to commercial productionShape products that will underpin future data centers and AI processorsThrive in a fast-paced environment transitioning from prototype to volume manufacturingPosition OverviewAPIC is seeking a Photonic Design Engineer to drive design, modeling, simulation, and tape-out of active components on our photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This role is open only to U.S. citizens or green card holders. As part of our core PIC team, you will:Conceptualize and architect silicon photonic devices that solve real-world bandwidth challengesLead end-to-end lifecycle efforts—from initial design to packaged, tested modulesInfluence next-generation embedded processors, data centers, and high-performance computing platformsWhat You’ll DoDesign, model, and simulate active and passive silicon-photonic devices and circuits, including:Modulators and ring resonatorsGe photodetectorsEdge and grating couplersOptimize and validate silicon photonic fabrication processes with foundry partnersManage the design rule check (DRC) and tape-out workflows in PDK environmentsDefine test plans, execute device and PIC characterization, and analyze performance dataCoordinate packaging specifications and light-source integration across cross-functional teamsCollaborate directly with foundry engineers to ensure process compatibility and yield targetsQualificationsCitizenshipMust be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)Education & ExperiencePh.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field focused on integrated photonics5+ years designing silicon photonic devices and PICsTechnical SkillsProficiency with Lumerical, Ansys, or equivalent EDA photonic simulation tools for, FDTD, MODE, INTERCONNECT, Multiphysics, and CML Compiler Hands-on experience with tape-out procedures, PDK setup, and DRC flowsDeep understanding of active and passive silicon photonic componentsFamiliarity with photonic foundry processes and on-wafer testing equipmentProfessional CompetenciesStrong analytical mindset with a drive for solving complex photonic challengesExcellent communication skills, able to lead projects and mentor junior engineersCollaborative approach to working with cross-disciplinary teamsBenefits & PerksCompetitive salaryComprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage401K with corporate matching