PIC/RF Designer
Karlsruhe
Germany
€80,000/year
Permanent
Photonics
Most RF engineers are limited by what their technology can do. Here, you’ll be the one pushing it forward.
This is your chance to work at the heart of a fast-growing deep-tech startup that’s redefining silicon photonics by merging it with organic materials, unlocking faster, more scalable optical communications. You’ll be a key player in the design and development of high-bandwidth photonic integrated circuits (PICs), with real influence on design strategy, and the potential to grow into a leadership role as the team expands.
What’s in it for you?
· A hands-on, high-impact role in a genuinely pioneering tech environment.
· Full ownership of RF simulation, design, and characterization processes.
· Collaborative startup culture where communication and contribution actually matter.
· Flexibility to work remotely part-time or (for some roles) fully remote, though close teamwork means face time matters, too.
· Salary up to €80,000 depending on experience.
· Real career progression is highly pushed in this company
What you’ll be doing
· Lead RF aspects of next-gen PIC design and take them through to foundry tape-out.
· Collaborate closely with in-house experts in organic materials to co-develop integrated electro-optic devices.
· Own the full characterization loop, bandwidth, sheet resistance, and beyond.
· Ideally, also contribute to packaging design, though this can be learned on the job.
What you’ll need
· Solid experience as an RF engineer OR PIC Designer
· Familiarity with silicon photonics is essential.
· Comfortable with tools like Python, Klayout, and OptoDesigner.
· Bonus points for experience with VNAs and hands-on characterization.
· Experience working with foundries and overseeing tape-out processes.
· Most importantly: you’re communicative, proactive, and thrive in startup-style environments where everyone rolls up their sleeves.
Ready to shape the future of high-speed data?
Send your CV or get in touch to find out more.
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Jack Kindell

Submit Your CV
Similar Jobs
1
Permanent
Sales/BD ManagerTechnology
Photonics
Ready to build the sales engine behind next-gen photonics? Ever wondered what it’s like to drive growth for cutting-edge laser and photonic integrated circuit See more…
to €90,000/year
Karlsruhe
Germany
1
Permanent
Lead Photonics DesignerTechnology
Photonics
You’ve built modulators before. Now, here’s the chance to build the future. If you’ve got deep experience in silicon photonics design, especially high-speed modulators, See more…
to £150,000/year
Eindhoven
Netherlands
1
Permanent
ASIC EngineerTechnology
Photonics
ASIC Design Engineer – Confidential Chip Design Leader A global technology innovator is scaling their ASIC team to develop cutting-edge silicon solutions. We’re hiring See more…
to $150,000/year
Remote
USA
Salary Benchmarks and
Market Insights
Are you looking for a new role? Would you like to compare your current salary
against the market rate?
Maybe you're looking to grow your team and need help planning and setting
hiring budgets.
Our interactive market update, split by industry, has all the information you need; from salary
benchmarks, gender split and average tenure to 'time to hire' and fastest-growing skills.
