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Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX· RFIC Engineering
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Redmond, WA$165k - $270kFull-timePosted 3mo ago

About the role

Senior photonics design engineer role at SpaceX focusing on silicon photonics integrated circuits for Starlink, involving design, modeling, validation, and collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams to develop PICs for space and ground infrastructure.

Responsibilities

  • Design, analyze, and simulate optical building blocks such as MZM and Microring modulators, Ge Photo diodes, dWDM filters, waveguides, couplers, dividers and polarization management circuitry in different integrated platforms such as silicon photonics and InGaAs/InP
  • Derive specifications for the Photonics IC systems and circuits
  • Design and model package optical interface including edge coupler and grating couplers
  • Familiar with RF, Analog and mixed signal circuits
  • Work with system architects, DSP, electro-optics, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
  • Perform IC floor planning and layout
  • Evaluate, characterize and measure electrical and optical building blocks of a high-speed optical link solution
  • Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements
  • Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of the PIC circuits and systems
  • Experience using simulation tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL and HFSS

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science
  • 5+ years of photonics or electro-optical integrated circuit design

Skills

Required:Optical modulators (MZM, Microring)Ge PhotodiodesdWDM filters, waveguides, couplers, dividersRF/Analog/mixed-signal circuitsSystem/Architecture collaborationIC floor planning and layoutElectrical/optical measurementsLumerical, COMSOL, HFSS
Nice to have:Automated test equipment development

Benefits

  • Long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
  • Discretionary bonuses and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Short and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays per year
  • Paid sick time
  • Company shuttles from Seattle to SpaceX Redmond office
Last updated Jul 22, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About SpaceX

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