Photonics Design Engineer

APIC 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 challenges
• Lead end-to-end lifecycle efforts—from initial design to packaged, tested modules
• Influence next-generation embedded processors, data centers, and high-performance computing platforms

What You’ll Do

• Design, model, and simulate active and passive silicon-photonic devices and circuits using Ansys Lumerical EDA tools, including:
• Modulators and ring resonators
• Ge photodetectors
• Edge and grating couplers
• Optimize and validate silicon photonic fabrication processes with foundry partners
• Manage the design rule check (DRC) and tape-out workflows in PDK environments
• Define test plans, execute device and PIC characterization, and analyze performance data
• Coordinate packaging specifications and light-source integration across cross-functional teams
• Collaborate directly with foundry engineers to ensure process compatibility and yield targets

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field focused on integrated photonics
• 5+ years designing silicon photonic devices and PICs

Technical Skills

• Proficiency 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 flows
• Deep understanding of active and passive silicon photonic components
• Familiarity with photonic foundry processes and on-wafer testing equipment
• Strong analytical mindset with a drive for solving complex photonic challenges
• Excellent communication skills, able to lead projects and mentor junior engineers
• Collaborative approach to working with cross-disciplinary teams
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401K with corporate matching

Salary Range: $150,000 to $200,000 per year.

Final compensation will be determined by factors such as the candidate's specific skills, depth of experience, and interview performance.

Company Overview

APIC 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. 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.

APIC is partnered with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Oak Ridge national Laboratory and AIM Photonics. Our ultimate vision is to architect next-generation AI data centers, supercomputers, and embedded AI systems.

Why APIC?

• Work on leading-edge silicon photonics projects that redefine chip-to-chip communication
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of leading engineers and scientists
• Leverage government-funded innovations and scale them to commercial production
• Shape products that will underpin future data centers and AI processors
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment transitioning from prototype to volume manufacturing