Photonic Integrated Circuit Designer - Optical Computing
Approach Venture - Los Angeles
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Overview
Photonic IC Designer Engineer - Optical Computing
Photonic IC Designer Engineer - Optical Computing
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Approach Venture | Advancing Frontier Tech with Top Talent
Photonic IC Designer Help Launch the Next Generation of Optical Computing
Opportunity Summary
A stealth-mode deep tech startup is on a mission to redefine high-speed computing by building full-stack optical systems, from silicon to factory floor. Backed by experienced founders and early-stage investors, were developing a scalable platform that blends photonics, advanced manufacturing, and custom hardware into a vertically integrated solution. Were hiring a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Designer to own the development of our core photonic chips. This role combines simulation, layout, tape-out, and close collaboration with test and packaging teams to ensure our first product meets performance, yield, and production readiness standards.
About Us
Were a Los Angeles-based startup operating in stealth, focused on building the foundation for scalable, light-powered computing. Our founding team includes deep tech veterans with experience across hardware, optics, and manufacturing automation. Were creating novel optical hardware alongside custom software and facilities designed to manufacture it at scale all under one roof.
Job Duties
- Own design and layout of next-gen silicon photonics chips for high-performance optical interconnects
- Work with foundry PDKs, and extend them where needed with custom compact models, layout cells, or verification checks
- Use FDTD and EM solvers to simulate and optimize waveguides, couplers, interferometers, and other photonic components for loss, phase, and bandwidth
- Develop and oversee test plans, including wafer probing and benchtop measurements to validate device behavior against simulation
- Collaborate across electrical, mechanical, and software teams to optimize full-system link budgets, thermal profiles, and control schemes
- Support bring-up, debug, and iteration during prototype validation and production ramp-up
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to building a high-performance photonic design team
Qualifications
- MS or PhD in Optics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Physics
- 5+ years of hands-on experience designing photonic ICs, with at least one completed tape-out for production
- Proficiency with photonic layout tools and FDTD/EM simulation software
- Understanding of optical link characterization and integration with electronic drivers
- Strong fundamentals in waveguide design, optical loss modeling, and photonic systems
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative development environment
Preferred Experience
- Experience with LiNbO?, SOA/EDFA integration, or coherent Tx/Rx architectures
- Familiarity with control firmware (Python, C++) for electro-optic and thermo-optic tuning
- Understanding of high-speed modulation formats and photonic packaging strategies
- Comfort designing for manufacturing yield and reliability in volume production environments
Security Clearance
- Must be able to obtain US Secret clearance
Why Join Us
- Be a key contributor to the development of core photonic technology in a venture-backed startup
- Work closely with a multidisciplinary technical team on cutting-edge hardware
- Early equity and ownership opportunities in a company poised for scale
- Flexible work culture and high autonomy
- Paid parental leave and generous vacation policy
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Relocation support to Los Angeles
Seniority level
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology-
Industries
Defense and Space Manufacturing, Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Space Research and Technology
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Medical insurance
Vision insurance
Paid maternity leave
Paid paternity leave
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