Silicon Photonics Design Engineer; Silicon Engineering
Listed on 2026-02-08
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Engineering
Systems Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineer, Hardware Engineer
Location: Union Hill-Novelty Hill
Space
X was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today Space
X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
At Space
X we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together.
We design cutting-edge solutions to maximize Starlink s global utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious photonics design engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation PIC for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has not previously been available, affordable or reliable.
Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.
- Design, analyze and simulate optical building blocks such as MZM and Microring modulators, Ge Photo diodes, dWDM filters, wave guides, couplers, dividers and polarization management circuitry in different integrated platforms such as silicon photonics and In Ga As /InP
- Derive specifications for the Photonics IC systems and circuits
- Design and model package optical interface including edge coupler and grating couplers
- Familiar with RF, Analog and mixed signal circuits
- Work 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 a high-speed optical link solution
- Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements
- Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of the 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-package optics (CPO) solution
- Electrical circuit design skills, and experience performing analysis and simulation linear/non-linear circuits such as high bandwidth modulator drivers, TIAs, CTLEs, filters, low noise and power amplifiers
- Experience working on wideband circuit designs supporting high speed Serdes links with more than 100
Gbps data rate and BW exceeding 10s of GHz - Familiarity with high speed Ser Des architecture and modulation schemes such as NRZ/ PAM4 and link protocols
- Familiarity with optical and radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, high speed oscilloscopes and BERTs
- Experience characterizing EIC/PIC performance for high speed optical Serdes
- 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 the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.
You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent…
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