Senior Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Design Engineer

Location: Switzerland
Sector: Photonics / Optical Communications
Position: Full-time

Senior PIC Design Engineer

Our client is an innovative deep-tech company developing advanced photonic technologies for next-generation optical communications and high-performance computing.

They are seeking a Senior PIC Design Engineer to lead the design, simulation and development of photonic integrated circuits, taking devices from initial concept through layout, fabrication and experimental validation.

This is an opportunity to join a highly technical, multidisciplinary team working at the forefront of integrated photonics, laser technology and high-speed optical interconnects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, simulation and optimisation of photonic integrated circuits and optical components.
• Develop and model waveguides, resonators, couplers, filters and other integrated photonic structures.
• Use photonic simulation tools such as Ansys Lumerical, COMSOL, RSoft or equivalent.
• Manage PIC layout, design-rule checks, tape-out and collaboration with external foundries.
• Characterise fabricated devices and correlate experimental results with simulation models.
• Troubleshoot performance issues and optimise designs for efficiency, reliability and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across photonics, laser physics, packaging and testing.
• Contribute to design reviews, technical documentation and continuous improvement of PIC development processes.

Candidate Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Photonics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in PIC design or integrated photonics R&D.
• Strong knowledge of optical device physics, waveguide design and electromagnetic simulation.
• Hands-on experience with PIC design tools, layout, PDKs and fabrication or tape-out processes.
• Experience in optical characterisation, data analysis and experimental validation.
• Familiarity with silicon photonics, silicon nitride, nonlinear photonics, integrated lasers or optical frequency combs is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Fluency in English.

The Proposition

This is an opportunity to join an ambitious technology business developing next-generation photonic solutions for high-growth optical communications and AI infrastructure markets.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence product development, contribute to cutting-edge photonic innovation and work alongside a highly skilled engineering team.

Interested? Please apply with your CV and a summary of your relevant PIC design, simulation and fabrication experience.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Nozipho Mbatha