Photonics IC Engineer - Tech Lead Job Sunnyvale area,California USA,Engineering

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Photonics IC Technical Lead to join our team. In this role, you will lead the design and development of silicon photonics devices, sub-systems, and PICs, while collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team. This role involves design, tapeout, and test from wafer level to module level. This position requires deep expertise in photonic IC design and tapeout, electromagnetics, packaging, and semiconductor physics.

You should have a strong understanding of both passive and active components, with extensive experience using EDA tools and conducting laboratory testing.

What you'll do

Lead the design of high-performance, manufacturable passive and active Silicon photonics components
Create and optimize photonics layouts and contribute to tapeouts
Perform comprehensive simulations and modeling to get the first designs right
Participate in design reviews and contribute to design methodology improvements
Create detailed design documentation and technical specifications
Develop and implement test plans, procedures, and methodologies for wafer level, chip level, eval board level to sub-module level testing
Troubleshoot and debug test setups and design issues, identifying and resolving challenges
Perform test measurements and data analysis to characterize device performance
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product improvements and resolve technical challenges
Support the transition of designs from R&D into high-volume manufacturing

Required Qualifications

Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field
Demonstrated experience in photonic device design, optimization and layout
Deep understanding of integrated photonics and optical systems
Proficiency in photonic simulation tools like Lumerical, Tidy3d, COMSOL
Portfolio of designed and demonstrated photonic components or systems
Ability to translate system requirements into photonic design specifications
Experience in photonics wafer level and chip level testing
Experience developing software in Python, C, C++, or MATLAB
Experience building and debugging complicated optical systems involving lasers

Preferred Qualifications

Good understanding in coherent communication, signal integration, integrated optics, and semiconductor physics
Experience with lasers, free-space and fiber optics, signal processing, data science, electronic IC design, opto-electronic packaging, and electrical engineering is a plus.
Solid communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to operate effectively in a startup environment with ambiguity, speed, and high ownership

Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)

Competitive salary and equity
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Flexible vacation and time-off policy
Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a highly cross-functional team

About Lyte

Lyte builds perception systems for Physical AI operating in complex environments. The company combines custom silicon, integrated sensors, and software into a unified platform for robotics, mobility, and next-generation automation. Lyte is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with a global presence. For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..ai

If you're excited about building impactful technology in a dynamic, hands-on environment, we'd love to hear from you!

The pay range for this role is:

150, USD per year (Bay Area, CA)