Senior Photonics Design Engineer

About the Team:

Taara focuses on increasing access to abundant and affordable internet with beams of light (Wireless Optical Communication). Like fiber, but without the cables, Taara uses wireless optical communication to transmit data at super high speeds through the air as a very narrow, invisible beam.  Taara has helped bridge a particularly stubborn connectivity gap between Brazzaville (Republic of Congo) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) across the Congo river. More on this topic is available here and more on Taara here.

About the Role:

The successful candidate would be responsible for photonics integrated circuit design and layout. The role requires deep knowledge in photonic integrated circuit design, simulation, optimization and testing. The position seeks highly-motivated individuals who thrive in ambiguity and enjoy working in a small dynamic team environment, with a passion for solving challenging problems that can lead to high-impact advances in technology. 

How you will make 10x impact:

• Develop and implement novel photonic integrated devices and circuits.

• Manage complexity and optimize large-scale layouts in advanced wafer platforms.

• Contribute to system-level optimization and product strategy.

• Be motivated by making the world a better place through technology, and wanting to be part of a team that makes this happen.

What you should have:

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field

• Five (5) or more years relevant industry experience of photonics integrated circuit design

• Experience with Si photonic simulation software (Lumerical, Flexcompute or equivalent) 

• Experience with semiconductor simulation software (Synopsys Sentaurus) 

• Experience with optimization of photonic components towards manufacturability

• Experience working with wafer foundries, including product design kits, design rule checks, and tape-outs procedures.

• Experience with photonic and semiconductor layout tools (GDSfactory, Cadence Virtuoso, or equivalent)

• Experience with programming in Python

It would be great if you also had these:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field

• Excellent communication and presentation skills (writing strategy docs, writing and delivering presentations), can work with senior external partners with ease.

• Hands-on experience in advancing product from prototype to final production stage

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $160,000 - $210,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.