Lead Photonics Engineer

We are building the optical layer that the next generation of AI and quantum infrastructure will run on. We design photonic hardware that moves light through computing systems with far less loss, heat and latency than conventional silicon. As Lead Photonics Engineer, you will lead the design and characterization of the photonic devices and optical systems at the core of our hardware, from first concept to working prototype. You will set the technical direction for photonics design and simulation, own execution through tape-out and test, and mentor engineers as the team grows. The role spans Lausanne, close to our fab, and San Francisco, close to system integration. If you like seeing a design through from the model to the measurement, and leading others to do the same, you'll fit well here.

• Technical leadership. Set the design and verification bar for photonics. Review designs and mentor photonics engineers.
• Design. Build photonic devices and circuits from single blocks to integrated sub-systems. Own the layout, design rules, trade-offs and docs.
• Simulation. Back every decision with modeling: mode solvers, FDTD, circuit simulation, tolerance and yield analysis. Keep prediction and measurement in a tight loop.
• Tape-out. Drive designs through tape-out with our foundry partners and our Lausanne process team. Own design-rule compliance, prep and the post-run debrief.
• Setups and testing. Build the optical and electro-optical setups that qualify devices. Automate the workflow, define protocols and run experiments.
• AI in the workflow. Fold AI tools into design, simulation and test to move faster.
• Cross-team work. Collaborate across photonics, process, electronics, controls and systems so the photonic layer stays tied to the product.

• PhD (or Master's with equivalent experience) in physics, photonics, optics or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in photonics design, simulation and execution.
• A proven track record of designs taken through tape-out and characterized.
• Experience leading technical work or mentoring engineers.
• Hands-on experience in integrated photonics, fabrication and testing.
• Familiarity with high-speed electro-optic modulators.
• Clear written and verbal communication, fluent English.
• Comfortable working to tight deadlines and motivated to bring new products to market.
• Strong problem-solving in novel or ill-defined situations.
• Comfortable using AI tools across the workflow.
• Willing to work between Lausanne and San Francisco.

• Free-space optics, spatial light modulators or beam steering.
• Experience with various photonic cavities.
• High-speed electro-optic modulator design or characterization.
• Script-based device and circuit layout (e.g. gdsfactory, KLayout API, IPKISS, or in-house tooling).

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Equity and benefits available, to be agreed upon.