Photonic Design Engineer (All Levels)
Content + Source + Freshness • 14 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
This position attracts various candidates due to its inclusivity for all experience levels and the chance to work on revolutionary communications technology.
- Inclusive for all experience levels.
- Engage in groundbreaking optical technology projects.
- Foster collaboration in a creative startup environment.
Pros
- Opportunities for career development across various experience levels.
- Work on transformative technology impacting AI and data centers.
- Engage in a dynamic and inclusive startup culture.
Cons
- Potential for ambiguous responsibilities depending on experience.
- Workload may vary significantly based on project phases.
- Startup structure could lead to less formal guidance.
Who it's for
All levels • On-site / Santa Barbara, CA
Good fit
- Engineers at various career stages passionate about photonics.
- Candidates eager to work on revolutionary optical link solutions.
- Individuals seeking a collaborative startup culture.
Not recommended for
- Job seekers without a background in photonics.
- Those unprepared for a flexible and fast-paced workplace.
- Candidates preferring stability in structured environments.
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Photonic Design Engineer (All Levels) at Lucidean
We’re hiring photonic design engineers at all experience levels, from talented new grads to seasoned experts with 10+ years. Compensation, title, and responsibilities matched to skillset and experience.
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Company Overview:
Lucidean is an early-stage startup specializing in next‑generation optical link solutions. As a Photonic Design Engineer on our team, you’ll help us make a transformative impact on data centers and AI computing.
Role Overview:
The rapid evolution of AI networks has created an urgent need for innovative fiber-optic communication solutions that incorporate photonic integrated circuits (PICs). On our growing team, you will drive the development of our core optical PIC technology through design, simulation, and testing.
Key Responsibilities:
· Design, simulate, and optimize passive and active photonic components using a variety of simulation tools like RSoft, Lumerical, HFSS, EMPro, COMSOL, Sentaurus, and Silvaco.
· Plan and execute Design of Experiments (DOEs) to optimize photonic components.
· Design layouts for high-speed optical transmitters and receivers on tools such as GDS Factory, Luceda IPKISS, and OptoCompiler.
· Perform system-level simulations, integrating both simulated and real test data, using tools such as OptSim and VPI.
· Oversee assembly, packaging, and integration of PICs with electronic components on PCBs.
· Define and implement standardized test plans for photonic components and PICs.
· Conduct comprehensive testing and validation of high-speed PICs and optoelectronic assemblies, including transmitters and receivers.
· Define and execute reliability studies and failure analysis for photonic components, PICs and optoelectronic assemblies.
Required Qualifications and Skills:
· M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
· Experience with design, test, and integration of photonic components for telecom or datacom transceivers, including lasers, MZMs, photodiodes, and passive components
· Hands‑on experience developing and executing test plans for PICs.
· Proficiency in the simulation and design tools listed under Key Responsibilities.
· Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills:
· Experience delivering photonic components and PICs for telecom or datacom products.
· High-speed modulator and detector design and test experience.
· Experience with PIC product packaging, testing, and qualification.
· Yield, reliability and failure analysis experience.
Why Join Lucidean?
· Push the frontier of optical interconnect technologies for AI computing infrastructure.
· Work alongside a dedicated, diverse team focused on making a tangible impact.
· Contribute to a flexible and dynamic startup environment with a culture of continuous learning and development.
· Competitive salary, equity options, and a comprehensive benefits package.
Lucidean provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Lucidean does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.
