Mid/Senior Photonic IC Design Engineer

Location: Berlin, Germany ( Fully remote is possible)

Type: Full-time

Experience: 3+ years in photonic IC design

Want to design the optical engines behind next-gen datacom?

This is your chance to work at the cutting edge of silicon photonics. You’ll join a team designing custom integrated photonic chips that form the backbone of high-speed optical communications. These chips are co-integrated with electronic components and manufactured in high-volume CMOS foundries.

If you’ve got experience simulating both active and passive photonic building blocks – and you enjoy turning complex physics into scalable design – this role might just be your next big move.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing waveguide-based components (silicon and silicon nitride) for multi-wavelength optical links
• Simulating active and passive structures to optimise performance, reduce loss, and ensure spec compliance
• Performing corner and Monte Carlo analyses to understand sensitivity and system-level impact
• Collaborating with layout and PDK teams to integrate your designs into full chip assemblies
• Supporting the build-out of design methodologies and design environments for future generations

What you’ll bring

• A PhD (or equivalent experience) in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Deep understanding of silicon photonics device physics
• Hands-on experience with simulation tools (FDTD, Eigenmode expansion, etc.)
• Skilled in object-oriented programming and familiar with PIC design automation
• Strong collaboration skills – and comfortable working across simulation, layout, and system teams
• Fluent in English (German is a plus)

What’s in it for you

• Work in a high-tech, globally connected environment with real product impact
• Join an ambitious team at the heart of photonic integration for data centre-scale systems
• Shape your role in a flat, fast-moving company structure
• Flexible hours, modern workspace, and a few extra perks (like stocked kitchens and chillout spaces)
• A solid stepping stone into future technical leadership or product ownership roles

Keen to find out more?

Send over your CV and a short message explaining why this role caught your eye. We’re happy to chat even if you don’t tick every box.

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

Jack Kindell