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.