Senior Photonics Engineer; PIC Design

ANELLO Photonics  is a leading-edge technology company based in Santa Clara, CA. The company has developed integrated photonic system-on-chip technology for next generation navigation. ANELLO's SIPHOG gyroscope is based on its patented photonic integrated circuit technology. The result is a product that is higher performance, much smaller size, weight, and power at a fraction of the cost of traditional optical gyros used in industrial, aerospace and military autonomous applications.

It enables reliable and accurate navigation and positioning across many autonomous applications in GPS challenged and denied environments. ANELLO has a growing list of customers in Commercial and Defense.

We are seeking a highly motivated and hands‑on Senior Photonics Engineer to help develop next‑generation Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for advanced optical sensing and communication applications. This role is ideal for a recent or soon‑to‑be PhD graduate in Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field who is excited to work in a fast‑paced fabless semiconductor environment.

The engineer will work closely with external foundry partners and internal cross‑functional teams to design, simulate, validate, and prepare PIC layouts for tape‑out using GDS-based design flows. The ideal candidate has foundational experience in photonic device simulation and layout verification tools, along with a strong desire to learn and grow in silicon photonics development.

• Design and develop Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for silicon photonics or related photonic platforms
• Collaborate with foundry partners to support process design kit (PDK) integration, fabrication reviews, and tape‑out activities
• Create and modify PIC layouts in GDSII format for fabrication
• Perform photonic simulations and modeling using tools such as FDTD, mode solvers, or equivalent simulation environments
• Support design rule checking (DRC), layout verification, and manufacturability reviews
• Participate in device characterization, test planning, and correlation between simulation and measured performance
• Work cross‑functionally with systems, electronics, packaging, and test engineering teams
• Contribute to documentation, design reviews, and technical presentations
• Stay current with advances in integrated photonics, foundry processes, and photonic design methodologies

• PhD or recent PhD graduate in Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related technical discipline
• Strong understanding of photonic device physics and integrated optics
• Experience with photonic simulation tools such as FDTD, Lumerical, CST, COMSOL, or similar
• Familiarity with PIC layout tools and GDSII-based design flows
• Exposure to DRC methodologies and semiconductor layout practices, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn
• Understanding of silicon photonics, wave guides, modulators, detectors, couplers, or related photonic structures
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative startup or fast‑moving engineering environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Internship, research, or academic experience working with semiconductor foundries or tape‑out processes
• Familiarity with photonic PDKs and fabless development workflows
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or scripting for simulation automation and data analysis
• Exposure to optical lab testing and characterization equipment

• Opportunity to help build cutting‑edge photonic technology from early development through production
• Exposure to full PIC development lifecycle including design, simulation, fabrication, and testing
• Collaborative and fast‑paced engineering environment
• Career growth opportunities within an innovative fabless photonics company

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship (U.S. citizenship or Perm Residence)