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Lead Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Coherent Corp. US
Fremont, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/24/2026

The Silicon Photonics Designer will work on the design, test, and debug of silicon photonic circuits. He/she will have key responsibilities for silicon photonics activities in a global leader of optoelectronic components and systems. He/she will work closely with compound semiconductors, optical packaging, module engineering groups to deliver high-performance silicon photonic chips for various customers. He/she will develop innovative and complex photonic circuits for emerging applications in communications and sensing, e.g., coherent transceiver, co-packaged optics and LIDAR: 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Work on silicon photonics device design, simulation, and layout
  • Run a variety of optical simulation tools, including Lumerical and Rsoft
  • Run a variety of RF simulation tools, including HFSS, ADS, and CST
  • Run a variety of CAD tools, including Cadence, Synopsis, and Python design environments
  • Tape out silicon photonics design in external and internal fabs
  • Work with module developers to design the optical subassemblies
  • Work with foundries to define and optimize the device structures and processes
  • Work with test engineering teams to perform characterization of silicon photonics devices
  • Work with quality engineers to create test and qualification plans

Education & Experience

  • PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Optics and Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
  • 2 years of industrial experience in design and optimization of silicon/III-V photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits

Skills

  • Strong experience on RF/SI simulation and optimization, from components such as high-speed modulators/PDs, and subsystems including PCB/TIA/driver/optical components, to transceiver systems
  • Strong experience in photonic integrated circuits design CAD tools
  • Strong tapeout experience with photonics foundries
  • 5 years of experience in testing and characterization of optoelectronic devices and modules
  • Excellent experience of design/optimization of high-speed opto-electronic devices (modulators, photodetectors, lasers)
  • Good knowledge of high-speed analog circuitry (TIA, modulator drivers)
  • In-depth understanding of optical transceiver modules
  • Good knowledge of fiber optic and/or wireless communication systems and applications
  • Good knowledge of module packaging in optical communications
  • Good knowledge of digital electronics circuitry (microprocessors, FPGAs, SPI)
  • Good knowledge of digital signal processing
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent teamwork skills and strong independence
  • Self-motivated with innovative thinking

Working Conditions

  • Authorized to work in US

Safety Requirements

 

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

 

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 

Salary.com Estimation for Lead Silicon Photonics Design Engineer in Fremont, CA
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