Silicon Photonics Design Engineer; Silicon Engineering

Overview

Silicon Photonics Design Engineer (Silicon Engineering) – Redmond, WA. Space

X is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars and to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious photonics design engineer who will work with cross-disciplinary teams to develop next-generation PICs for space and ground infrastructure. These chips will enable connectivity in new regions and use cases, and help expand Starlink’s capabilities globally.

• Design, analyze and simulate optical building blocks such as MZM and microring modulators, Ge photodiodes, dWDM filters, wave guides, couplers, dividers and polarization management circuitry in silicon photonics and In Ga As /InP platforms
• Derive specifications for Photonics IC systems and circuits
• Design and model package optical interfaces including edge couplers and grating couplers
• Familiar with RF, analog and mixed-signal circuits
• Collaborate with system architects, DSP, electro-optics, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
• Perform IC floor planning and layout
• Evaluate, characterize and measure electrical and optical building blocks of high-speed optical link solutions
• Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for measurements
• Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of PIC circuits and systems
• Experience using simulation tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL and HFSS

• Bachelor s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science
• 2+ years of photonics or electro-optical integrated circuit design

• Master s degree or PhD in electrical engineering, computer engineering (with emphasis on electro-optics IC design), or applied physics
• Experience using electrical simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS
• Knowledge of advanced packaging for a co-packaged optics (CPO) solution
• Electrical circuit design skills with experience in analysis and simulation of linear/non-linear circuits such as high-bandwidth modulator drivers, TIAs, CTLEs, filters, low-noise and power amplifiers
• Experience with wideband circuit designs for high-speed Serdes links (>100 Gbps, BW tens of GHz)
• Familiarity with high-speed Ser Des architectures and modulation schemes (NRZ/PAM4) and link protocols
• Familiarity with optical and RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, high-speed oscilloscopes, BERTs)
• Experience characterizing EIC/PIC performance for high-speed optical Ser Des

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

Pay range:

RFIC Engineer/Level I: $ - $ per year

RFIC Engineer/Level II: $ - $ per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, education, and experience.

Base salary is one part of the total rewards package, which may include long-term incentives (stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards), discretionary bonuses, stock purchase plans, comprehensive medical/vision/dental coverage, retirement plans, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave for exempt employees.

Export regulations:
To conform to U.S. government export regulations, including ITAR, applicants may need to meet specific eligibility criteria.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.