Senior Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Designer

Location

Denmark (Greater Copenhagen Area) / Remote within Europe considered

About the Opportunity

We are an innovative deep-tech company developing next-generation optical communication technologies that are transforming broadband and telecom infrastructure. Our patented solutions enable significantly higher network performance, lower deployment costs, and reduced power consumption for optical access networks serving residential, commercial, and mobile connectivity applications.

Backed by leading industry stakeholders and collaborating with internationally recognised telecommunications and photonics organisations, we are building advanced optical technologies that will help shape the future of global connectivity.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Senior PIC Designer to join our photonics team and contribute to the development of cutting-edge integrated optical solutions.

The Role

As a Senior PIC Designer, you will play a key role in the design, simulation, optimisation, and industrialisation of advanced photonic integrated circuits. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across photonics, optics, electronics, packaging, and system engineering to develop high-performance optical communication products.

This position offers the opportunity to work on state-of-the-art silicon photonics and thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platforms, including high-speed optical devices operating at 25G, 50G, and 100G data rates with bandwidths exceeding 70 GHz.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimise Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for optical communication applications.
• Develop PIC layouts and support tape-out activities with external foundries.
• Collaborate with PIC foundries throughout design, fabrication, and validation phases.
• Design and evaluate optical coupling solutions, including fiber-to-PIC and laser-to-PIC interfaces.
• Perform photonic and optical simulations using tools such as Tidy3D, Zemax, or equivalent software.
• Analyse device performance, yield, manufacturability, and system-level integration.
• Support the development and testing of advanced optical communication systems.
• Work closely with R&D teams to develop innovative solutions and improve existing technologies.
• Document designs, results, and technical recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong experience in Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) design and simulation.
• Hands-on experience with PIC design tools and photonic simulation platforms.
• Experience working with silicon photonics (SOI) platforms.
• Understanding of photonic device fabrication processes and testing methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD plus approximately 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) technologies.
• Knowledge of active photonic devices and high-speed optical systems.
• Experience with Tidy3D, Zemax, or similar simulation environments.
• Familiarity with Python or other programming languages for modelling, automation, and data analysis.
• Background in telecommunications, optical networking, or related industries.
• Experience working directly with semiconductor or photonic foundries.

Nice to Have

• Experience with free-space optics and optical packaging.
• Knowledge of advanced coupling techniques and optical interconnects.
• Experience in product development from concept through industrialisation.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on breakthrough photonic technologies with real-world impact.
• Exposure to cutting-edge silicon photonics and TFLN platforms.
• Collaborative environment with highly skilled scientists and engineers.
• Significant technical ownership and influence on product development.
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options.
• Competitive compensation package and long-term growth opportunities.

If you are passionate about integrated photonics and want to help build the future of optical communications, we would love to hear from you.

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

Nozipho Mbatha