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Job Title: Integrated Circuit Design Engineer – Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC)

Job Description

This role focuses on designing and developing advanced integrated photonic components and systems that enable cutting-edge quantum computing platforms. You will work closely with physicists, optical engineers, and cross-functional teams to define system requirements, create innovative photonic integrated circuit (PIC) designs, and validate performance through fabrication and testing. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to both commercial and research quantum systems, while leading or collaborating with PIC development teams and external partners to deliver high-performance, manufacturable solutions.

Responsibilities

• Participate as a core member of a multidisciplinary team of physicists and optical engineers to support the development of commercial and research systems for quantum computing.
• Design and develop integrated photonic components and systems in novel ways to deliver, route, and manipulate light across a wide spectrum.
• Collaborate with architecture, physics, photonics, fabrication, and mechanical engineering teams to define system architectures, technical requirements, and performance targets for quantum computing systems.
• Gather, clarify, and document technical requirements, translate them into actionable design and development plans, and ensure that photonic components and systems meet those requirements.
• Design novel integrated photonic components and PICs to meet challenging optical and system-level specifications, including performance, manufacturability, and reliability goals.
• Create layouts for test photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and work closely with fabrication teams to ensure successful tape-out and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with test teams to validate photonic component and system performance, including planning experiments, reviewing test setups, and analyzing results.
• Lead and coordinate PIC development efforts with internal teams and external vendors to ensure timely development, fabrication, and delivery of key demonstrators and components.
• Apply design-for-manufacturing principles to photonic designs to improve yield, robustness, and scalability.
• Contribute to product development activities related to photonic design, fabrication, and packaging of PIC systems.
• Work with cross-disciplinary teams to develop integrated solutions that align optical, mechanical, and electrical requirements.
• Mentor and guide small teams or junior engineers, sharing best practices in photonic design, simulation, layout, and testing.
• Use programming tools such as Matlab, Python, and C to support simulation, data analysis, and automation of design and test workflows.
• Perform testing and data analysis, including acquiring, plotting, analyzing, fitting, and interpreting data from optical testing experiments to validate and refine designs.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 6+ years of experience (advanced degree inclusive) with photonic integrated circuits (PIC) design using photonic simulation tools such as Lumerical, RSoft, or similar guided mode and FDTD solvers.
• Minimum 4+ years of experience (advanced degree inclusive) using and maintaining optical or photonic systems.
• Hands-on experience with layout tools such as Klayout, GDSFactory, or similar for PIC layout and mask design.
• Strong background in photonic design, integrated circuits, and optical system engineering.
• Broad understanding of optical principles and practices and demonstrated experience applying this knowledge to real projects.
• Programming experience in Matlab, Python, and C for simulation, modeling, data analysis, and tool development.
• Experience with testing and data analysis, including taking, plotting, analyzing, fitting, and interpreting data from optical testing experiments.
• Experience with photonics fabrication processes and metrology, including working with foundries or internal fabrication teams.
• Experience with design-for-manufacturing for photonic integrated circuits and related systems.
• Experience with materials used in visible photonics circuits and optics.
• Experience in product development related to photonic design, fabrication, and/or packaging of PIC systems.
• Experience working with cross-disciplinary teams (architecture, physics, fabrication, mechanical engineering, photonics) to develop integrated solutions.
• Experience leading and mentoring small teams in a technical environment.
• Ability to gather technical requirements, translate them into actionable plans, and drive designs to meet performance and system specifications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PhD degree preferred in Optics, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; candidates with a Master’s degree are encouraged to apply and will be considered, including recent graduates from strong research universities.
• Strong academic or research background in photonics, quantum systems, or related fields, including experience from leading research institutions.
• Experience with photonic design tools such as Lumerical and RSoft or comparable guided mode and FDTD solvers.
• Experience with scripting or automation in Matlab, Python, or C/C++ to streamline design and test workflows.
• Experience with photonic fabrication, including process development, characterization, and collaboration with fabrication facilities.
• Familiarity with visible photonics materials and their application in integrated circuits and optical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with external vendors and partners on PIC development and delivery.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate across disciplines and present complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Interest in contributing to both commercial and research-oriented quantum computing systems.
• Eligibility to work on projects with national security and contractual requirements as a U.S. Person, as defined by applicable regulations.

Work Environment

The role centers on the development of advanced quantum computing systems, with a strong focus on integrated photonics and photonic integrated circuits. Work typically takes place in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment that includes physicists, optical engineers, architects, fabrication specialists, mechanical engineers, and photonics experts. You will regularly use photonic simulation tools such as Lumerical and RSoft, guided mode and FDTD solvers, and layout tools like Klayout and GDSFactory, along with programming environments including Matlab, Python, and C/C++. The position can be based in Broomfield, CO, with a secondary option in Albuquerque, NM, and there is flexibility to consider fully remote arrangements for the right candidate. You will interact closely with fabrication and test facilities, leveraging optical and photonic test equipment, metrology tools, and data analysis software to validate designs. The culture emphasizes scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration, offering the opportunity to contribute to high-performance quantum systems and to work with a global team of scientists and engineers driving advancements in quantum computing.

This is a Permanent position based out of Broomfield, CO.

The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $185000.00/yr.

A competitive salary and innovative, game-changing work Flexible work schedule Employer subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) match for student loan repayment benefit Equity, 401k retirement savings plan + 12 Paid holidays and generous vacation + sick time Paid parental leave Employee discounts

This is a hybrid position in Broomfield,CO.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.