Silicon Photonics Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)
$125,000–$175,000 year
On-site · Redmond, Washington, United States
Job Summary
Silicon Photonics Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering) at SpaceX, leading the design, analysis, and simulation of optical building blocks (MZM, microring modulators, Ge photodiodes, dWDM filters, waveguides, couplers, polarization management) for high-speed integrated circuits in silicon photonics and InGaAs/InP platforms. Responsibilities include deriving specifications for photonics IC systems, designing package optical interfaces, collaborating with system architects and ASIC teams to partition functions between hardware and software, performing IC floor planning and layout, evaluating and characterizing high-speed optical Serdes components, and assisting in automating test lab equipment. Required to have 2+ years of photonics or electro-optical IC design with a Bachelor's in electrical/computer engineering or CS; additional qualification with a Master’s or PhD in EE/CE with emphasis on electro-optics, or applied physics is preferred. Familiarity with simulation tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, HFSS) and electrical tools (Spectre, ADS) and experience with high-bandwidth modulator drivers, TIAs, CTLEs, filters, and power amplifiers is valued. ITAR considerations and SpaceX’s comprehensive compensation/benefits packages accompany an opportunity to contribute to Starlink’s global connectivity initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- 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 (preferred)
- Experience using electrical simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS (preferred)
- Knowledge of advanced packaging for a co-package optics (CPO) solution (preferred)
- Electrical circuit design skills and experience with high-speed SerDes, modulators, TIAs, CTLEs, filters, amplifiers (preferred)
- Familiarity with NRZ/PAM4 modulation and >100Gbps Serdes (preferred)
- Familiarity with optical and RF test equipment (preferred)
- Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary (required)
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