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Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX· RFIC Engineering
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Palo Alto, CA$175k - $280kfull-timePosted 5d ago

About the role

Senior photonics design engineer role at SpaceX focusing on silicon photonics integration for Starlink, working with cross-disciplinary teams to develop next-generation PICs for space and ground infrastructures.

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 interfaces 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 IC designRF/Analog/mixed-signal circuit designElectrical/Optical co-design collaborationSimulation tools

Benefits

  • comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • short and long-term disability insurance
  • life insurance
  • paid parental leave
  • paid vacation and holidays
  • discounts and other perks
  • stock or long-term incentives (potential)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About SpaceX

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