Senior Photonics Engineer

Who we are

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.

The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone.

At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit aurora.tech or follow us on LinkedIn.

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We’re searching for a Senior Photonics Engineer.

What we are looking for

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all.

We are searching for a Senior Photonics Engineer to join our Lidar team. You will be a key contributor responsible for the design and layout of III-V chips. This role is a unique opportunity to own the full development cycle of high-power active devices—from initial epitaxial design and foundry tape-out to data-driven performance iteration—directly impacting the future of self-driving technology.

In this role you will

• Own III-V Layouts: Lead the design and layout of high-power active devices, specifically delivering reviewable GDS for SOA reticles.

• Manage Foundry Relations: Act as the primary technical interface with foundries to execute mask delivery and track critical fabrication milestones.

• Automate Data Analysis: Develop Python-based software and JMP workflows to analyze DFB and SOA test results.

• Drive Design Iterations: Function as the "Owner" for SOA component iterations, correlating design changes to empirical test data.

• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with Test, Packaging, and Reliability teams to integrate their feedback into design decisions.

Required qualifications

• Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, Solid State Physics, or Optoelectronics.

• Laser Physics: Deep mastery of light-matter interaction in high-intensity fields and epitaxial design.

• Design Expertise: Proven expertise in the design of high-power III-V active devices.

• Simulation Suite: Proficiency in industry-standard tools including PhotonDesign, Lumerical, and RSoft.

• Fabrication: Hands-on experience with process design and managing development workflows with external foundries.

• Programming: High proficiency in Python for layout scripting and data automation.

• Characterization: Strong background in the testing and data analysis of semiconductor lasers.

Desirable qualifications

•

• Direct industrial experience in high-power III-V active device design.

• Experience working with lidar or other optical sensing systems.

• Experience with photonic hybrid integration.

The base salary range for this position is $150,000 - $240,000 per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

#Mid-Senior

Working at Aurora
At Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together — all without any jerks.

We believe in-person work increases collaboration, empathy and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, we operate in a hybrid work environment where Aurorans are in office at least 3 days per week.

Our Careers page provides insight into what it is like to work at Aurora, and you can find all the latest updates in our Newsroom.

Our commitment to safety

At the core of everything we do is our commitment to safety. Building best-in-class self-driving technology will take time, and we believe that each employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. Aurora expects commitment to our safety policies from every employee, and seeks candidates who take an active responsibility, can contribute to building an atmosphere of trust, and invest in the organization’s long-term success by prioritizing working safely, no matter what.

Our commitment to inclusion

Aurora considers candidates without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law. Aurora considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].

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