Senior Simulation Engineer (Optical & Photonics)

Senior Simulation Engineer – Optical & Photonics

Temecula, CA | Full-Time

Summary:

The Senior Simulation Engineer – Optical & Photonics is a highly technical engineering role responsible for the high-fidelity modeling, simulation, and virtual prototyping of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This individual will design and optimize high-performance III-V and Silicon Photonics devices, including lasers, modulators, photodetectors, and passive optical components.

Working closely with device designers, fabrication teams, and an in-house foundry, this role serves as a critical bridge between theoretical modeling and physical device implementation. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in computational photonics, semiconductor physics, multi-physics simulation, and the development of photonic products from concept through manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, model, and simulate advanced III-V and Silicon Photonics devices and photonic integrated circuits (PICs)

Develop high-fidelity models for active and passive components, including DFB/DBR lasers, SOAs, EAM/MZM modulators, UTC photodiodes, optical couplers, WDM devices, and 90-degree hybrids

Lead multi-physics simulations combining optical, electrical, and thermal models, including analysis of self-heating and other device-performance effects

Optimize RF performance for high-speed modulators and optical-electrical conversion efficiency

Optimize epitaxy layers, quantum well designs, optical modes, and impedance matching across heterogeneous material interfaces

Model and optimize III-V and Silicon heterogeneous integration for next-generation photonic devices

Partner directly with internal fabrication and device-design teams to translate simulation results into actionable device layouts

Support HPIC layouts, process design rules, DRC (Design Rule Check), and LVS (Layout Versus Schematic) activities to ensure tapeout accuracy

Execute virtual Design of Experiments (DOE) to predict device performance, reliability, and manufacturing behavior

Validate simulation results against internal laboratory characterization data and refine models and material parameters based on measured performance

Develop automated simulation and data-analysis workflows using Python and/or MATLAB

Analyze large technical datasets and use statistical methods to identify trends, optimize performance, and communicate results

Troubleshoot discrepancies between simulated and measured device performance and recommend design or process improvements

Present complex technical findings, design trade-offs, and recommendations to engineering teams, leadership, and customers

Desired Skills:

Deep expertise in Silicon Photonics, III-V photonics, photonic integrated circuits, and semiconductor device modeling

Expert-level proficiency with Ansys Lumerical, including FDTD, MODE, DEVICE, and INTERCONNECT

Experience with photonics simulation platforms such as Synopsys RSoft/OptSim and Zemax/Speos

Experience with RF and electromagnetic simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS, or CST Microwave Studio

Advanced proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for simulation automation, modeling, and large-scale data analysis

Strong understanding of semiconductor physics, including bandgap engineering, carrier dynamics, recombination mechanisms, band structures, and quantum well design

Experience modeling optical, electrical, thermal, and RF interactions in high-performance photonic devices

Strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication and how epitaxy growth, etching profiles, and metallization affect optical and electrical device performance

Familiarity with fiber coupling, optical packaging, and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO)

Experience with DRC, LVS, process design rules, and tapeout processes

Experience using statistical analysis tools such as JMP or Minitab is preferred

Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, particularly in identifying and resolving discrepancies between modeled and measured performance

Excellent technical communication skills with the ability to explain complex engineering trade-offs to technical teams, leadership, and customers

Proven ability to collaborate across device design, fabrication, characterization, and manufacturing teams

Education & Experience:

Minimum Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline with an emphasis on computational photonics

10+ years of industrial experience in photonics simulation and design

Extensive hands-on experience with III-V and Silicon Photonics device modeling

Proven track record of bringing photonic or semiconductor products from concept and simulation through fabrication and manufacturing

Significant experience with active and passive photonic device simulation, multi-physics modeling, and model validation

Experience working directly with semiconductor fabrication or an in-house foundry environment strongly preferred

Demonstrated experience translating simulation results into manufacturable device designs

Work Environment & Travel:

Full-time position in a temperature-controlled office and laboratory environment

Role requires prolonged use of high-resolution monitors for detailed simulation and modeling work

Expected travel is less than 25%

Position is based at a facility operating under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

Applicants must qualify as a “U.S. person” under ITAR, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders), political asylees, and refugees

Compensation & Benefits:

Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications

Comprehensive benefits package including:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k)

Company-paid life insurance

Company-paid disability coverage

Paid holidays and vacation

Birthday leave

Gym membership discounts

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