Client Background & Position Overview
Our client is a renowned European research and development center specializing in silicon photonics and advanced optoelectronic technologies. With a strong academic foundation and strategic industrial integration, the center plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of high-speed optical components for telecom, AI, and data infrastructure. Located in the heart of Europe, the team is expanding its efforts in next-generation modulator design and is seeking a seasoned Senior Photonics Design Engineer – RF Design to drive innovation at the intersection of photonics and RF engineering.
Responsibilities
As a Senior Photonics Design Engineer – RF Design, you will be responsible for the RF design of high-speed silicon photonic modulators. Your work will directly impact the performance of integrated optoelectronic systems for next-generation optical communications.
Key responsibilities include:
* Design RF elements of traveling-wave modulators, including traveling lines, Baluns, biasing networks, and termination circuits.
* Evaluate and optimize modulators using various physical mechanisms (e.g., Pockels effect, plasma dispersion).
* Develop and implement equalization strategies to improve modulator bandwidth and manage dispersion effects.
* Collaborate with driver design teams to ensure tailored and optimized opto-electronic solutions.
* Lead high-speed electrical and optical characterization in coordination with the test team.
* Design, simulate, and validate photonic components, subsystems, and circuits using state-of-the-art tools.
* Work closely with processing, packaging, and module engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle.
* Define experimental test plans, analyze results, and apply findings to refine and optimize component designs.
Requirements
* PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 3+ years of experience or Master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant professional experience
* Strong background in RF and optoelectronic co-design for integrated photonics
* Proven experience in modulator design on silicon or III/V platforms
* Hands-on experience with RF modeling tools (e.g., CST, HFSS, ADS, COMSOL)
* Expertise in high-speed RF component testing and measurement
* Familiarity with silicon photonics process flows and layout tools (e.g., Tanner L-Edit, Luceda IPKISS)
* Knowledge of scripting (Python) and working in Linux environments is a plus.
* Deep understanding of integrated optics and RF-photonics interfaces
* Creative problem-solving skills and continuous improvement mindset
* Effective written and verbal communication skills in English
* Strong collaboration skills within interdisciplinary and international teams
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of high-speed photonics through cutting-edge RF design. If you thrive in a technically challenging environment and are passionate about building the foundations of next-generation communication systems, this role offers a dynamic and impactful career path.