Senior Simulation Engineer (Optical & Photonics)

Senior Simulation Engineer – Optical & Photonics

Temecula, CA | Full-Time

Summary:

The Senior Simulation Engineer – Optical & Photonics is a highly technical engineering role responsible for the high-fidelity modeling, simulation, and virtual prototyping of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This individual will design and optimize high-performance III-V and Silicon Photonics devices, including lasers, modulators, photodetectors, and passive optical components.

Working closely with device designers, fabrication teams, and an in-house foundry, this role serves as a critical bridge between theoretical modeling and physical device implementation. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in computational photonics, semiconductor physics, multi-physics simulation, and the development of photonic products from concept through manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, model, and simulate advanced III-V and Silicon Photonics devices and photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
• Develop high-fidelity models for active and passive components, including DFB/DBR lasers, SOAs, EAM/MZM modulators, UTC photodiodes, optical couplers, WDM devices, and 90-degree hybrids
• Lead multi-physics simulations combining optical, electrical, and thermal models, including analysis of self-heating and other device-performance effects
• Optimize RF performance for high-speed modulators and optical-electrical conversion efficiency
• Optimize epitaxy layers, quantum well designs, optical modes, and impedance matching across heterogeneous material interfaces
• Model and optimize III-V and Silicon heterogeneous integration for next-generation photonic devices
• Partner directly with internal fabrication and device-design teams to translate simulation results into actionable device layouts
• Support HPIC layouts, process design rules, DRC (Design Rule Check), and LVS (Layout Versus Schematic) activities to ensure tapeout accuracy
• Execute virtual Design of Experiments (DOE) to predict device performance, reliability, and manufacturing behavior
• Validate simulation results against internal laboratory characterization data and refine models and material parameters based on measured performance
• Develop automated simulation and data-analysis workflows using Python and/or MATLAB
• Analyze large technical datasets and use statistical methods to identify trends, optimize performance, and communicate results
• Troubleshoot discrepancies between simulated and measured device performance and recommend design or process improvements
• Present complex technical findings, design trade-offs, and recommendations to engineering teams, leadership, and customers

Desired Skills:

• Deep expertise in Silicon Photonics, III-V photonics, photonic integrated circuits, and semiconductor device modeling
• Expert-level proficiency with Ansys Lumerical, including FDTD, MODE, DEVICE, and INTERCONNECT
• Experience with photonics simulation platforms such as Synopsys RSoft/OptSim and Zemax/Speos
• Experience with RF and electromagnetic simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS, or CST Microwave Studio
• Advanced proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for simulation automation, modeling, and large-scale data analysis
• Strong understanding of semiconductor physics, including bandgap engineering, carrier dynamics, recombination mechanisms, band structures, and quantum well design
• Experience modeling optical, electrical, thermal, and RF interactions in high-performance photonic devices
• Strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication and how epitaxy growth, etching profiles, and metallization affect optical and electrical device performance
• Familiarity with fiber coupling, optical packaging, and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO)
• Experience with DRC, LVS, process design rules, and tapeout processes
• Experience using statistical analysis tools such as JMP or Minitab is preferred
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, particularly in identifying and resolving discrepancies between modeled and measured performance
• Excellent technical communication skills with the ability to explain complex engineering trade-offs to technical teams, leadership, and customers
• Proven ability to collaborate across device design, fabrication, characterization, and manufacturing teams

Education & Experience:

Minimum Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline with an emphasis on computational photonics

• 10+ years of industrial experience in photonics simulation and design
• Extensive hands-on experience with III-V and Silicon Photonics device modeling
• Proven track record of bringing photonic or semiconductor products from concept and simulation through fabrication and manufacturing
• Significant experience with active and passive photonic device simulation, multi-physics modeling, and model validation
• Experience working directly with semiconductor fabrication or an in-house foundry environment strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience translating simulation results into manufacturable device designs

Work Environment & Travel:

• Full-time position in a temperature-controlled office and laboratory environment
• Role requires prolonged use of high-resolution monitors for detailed simulation and modeling work
• Expected travel is less than 25%
• Position is based at a facility operating under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Applicants must qualify as a “U.S. person” under ITAR, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders), political asylees, and refugees

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k)
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Company-paid disability coverage
  • Paid holidays and vacation
  • Birthday leave
  • Gym membership discounts