Senior Simulation Engineer (Optical & Photonics)

Job Description

**Senior Simulation Engineer -- Optical \& Photonics**
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**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