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Photonics Simulation Consultant Jobs in Bothell, WA

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Photonics Simulation Consultant information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$43.6K

$137.9K

$213K

How much do photonics simulation consultant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics simulation consultant in Bothell, WA is $137,947.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,800.00 and $163,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a photonics simulation consultant do?

A Photonics Simulation Consultant specializes in modeling, analyzing, and optimizing photonic devices and systems using advanced simulation software. They help organizations design optical components—such as lasers, waveguides, and sensors—by predicting their performance in various environments. Their expertise enables companies to reduce prototyping costs, accelerate innovation, and ensure product reliability. Consultants often work across industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing, collaborating with engineers and researchers to solve complex photonics challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photonics simulation consultant?

To thrive as a Photonics Simulation Consultant, you need a solid background in physics or engineering, expertise in photonics, and experience with numerical modeling, often supported by a relevant degree (such as MSc or PhD). Proficiency with simulation tools like Lumerical, COMSOL Multiphysics, or CST Studio Suite, and familiarity with scripting languages like Python or MATLAB, are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills help in translating client needs into robust technical solutions. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering accurate simulations, supporting innovative photonics designs, and ensuring effective collaboration with diverse clients and teams.

What are some common challenges faced by photonics simulation consultants when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Photonics Simulation Consultants often work alongside engineers, physicists, and software developers, which can present challenges in communicating complex simulation results to non-specialists. Bridging the knowledge gap and ensuring that simulation data informs practical design decisions requires clear communication and adaptability. Additionally, aligning simulation parameters with real-world manufacturing constraints is a frequent hurdle. Successfully addressing these challenges not only ensures project success but also helps build strong, collaborative relationships across disciplines.

What is the difference between Photonics Simulation Consultant vs Photonics Design Engineer?

AspectPhotonics Simulation ConsultantPhotonics Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, photonics, or related fields; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in electrical engineering, optics, or photonics; strong design and testing skills
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, R&D labs, project-based settingsProduct development teams, manufacturing companies, R&D labs
Industry UsageUsed for analyzing and optimizing photonics systems through simulationsInvolved in designing, prototyping, and testing photonics devices and systems

While both roles require expertise in photonics and related software, Photonics Simulation Consultants focus on analyzing and optimizing systems through simulations, often working in consulting or research environments. Photonics Design Engineers are more involved in creating and testing physical photonics devices, working within product development teams. Both roles are essential in the photonics industry but differ in their primary focus and daily tasks.

What job categories do people searching Photonics Simulation Consultant jobs in Bothell, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Photonics Simulation Consultant jobs in Bothell, WA are:

What cities near Bothell, WA are hiring for Photonics Simulation Consultant jobs?

Cities near Bothell, WA with the most Photonics Simulation Consultant job openings:

Photonics Simulation Consultant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Simulation Consultant job openings in Bothell, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,947 per year, or $66.3 per hour.

Photonic Integrated Circuit Design Engineer

SGS Consulting

Redmond, WA • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Responsibilities:

  • Design and develop complete Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), from fundamental component blocks to full-circuit implementations, with a strong emphasis on active device integration.
  • Generate, verify, and prepare fabrication-ready layout files, ensuring compliance with foundry Process Design Kits (PDKs) for external fabrication.
  • Conduct systematic design analysis, including optimization and parametric studies, to guide design decisions.
  • Support the entire design-to-fabrication pipeline, from initial concept through tapeout, coordinating closely with cross-functional teams and external partners.
  • Collaborate with program leadership, Technical Program Managers (TPMs), and researchers on PIC designs that align with overall program objectives.

Key Projects/Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

  • Design, simulate, and optimize PICs and photonic devices.
  • Prepare fabrication-ready layouts and ensure compliance with foundry PDKs.
  • Analyze and improve designs through parametric studies.
  • Coordinate the design-to-fabrication pipeline with cross-functional teams and external partners.
  • Collaborate with leadership and researchers to align designs with program goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • MS or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a closely related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in the design, simulation, and layout of PICs for visible or IR wavelengths on platforms such as Si, SiN, LiNbO, or BTO.
  • 3+ years of experience utilizing photonic device simulation and electromagnetic modeling tools for both component and circuit-level analysis (e.g., Lumerical FDTD/MODE/DEVICE, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, or COMSOL Multiphysics).
  • 2+ years of experience with PIC layout tools and GDSII generation (e.g., KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, gdsfactory, or equivalent), including familiarity with foundry PDK integration and design rule verification.
  • 2+ years of experience with scientific programming (e.g., Python or MATLAB) for scripting, design automation, and analysis.
  • 1+ years of experience supporting or executing PIC tapeouts at a commercial semiconductor foundry, including an understanding of fabrication process constraints (e.g., propagation losses, sidewall roughness, etch non-idealities).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 3+ years experience in active PIC design, fabrication, and validation, particularly for visible wavelengths on LiNbO or BTO platforms.
  • 3+ years of experience in design space exploration, sensitivity analysis, and statistical performance/yield modeling for photonic circuits.
  • 3+ years of experience with one or more major photonic simulation tool suites (e.g., Lumerical, Synopsys, COMSOL, or equivalent).
  • 2+ years of experience utilizing photonic circuit-level simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical Interconnect, Synopsys OptSim, or VPIphotonics) for system-level performance evaluation.
  • 2+ years of experience in photonic device characterization and test, including both optical and electro-optic measurements.
  • 1+ years experience with fiber optics, free-space optics, PIC packaging, and comprehensive device characterization.
  • 1+ years experience with semiconductor fabrication processes and a deep understanding of process-induced performance limitations, such as optical
  • losses, sidewall roughness, and process variability.
  • Demonstrated ability to directly incorporate fabrication constraints into PIC designs (e.g., optimizing minimum feature sizes and bend radii, implementing effective tapering strategies, and using layout techniques to mitigate scattering and coupling losses).

Must-Have Skills:

  • PIC Design & Simulation: 3+ years designing, simulating, and laying out photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for visible/IR wavelengths.
  • Photonic Modeling Tools: Proficiency with tools like Lumerical, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, or COMSOL for device/circuit analysis.
  • PIC Layout & Tapeout: Experience with layout tools (KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, gdsfactory), GDSII generation, and supporting tapeouts at commercial foundries.

Nice-to-Have Skills:

  • Active PIC Design & Validation: Experience in active PIC design, fabrication, and validation, especially for visible wavelengths.
  • Device Characterization: Skills in optical/electro-optic measurements, fiber optics, free-space optics, and PIC packaging.
  • Statistical Modeling & Sensitivity Analysis: Experience in design space exploration, yield modeling, and incorporating fabrication constraints

Degrees/Certifications Required: MS or Ph.D. degree ( preferred ) in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a closely related field.

Minimum Years of Experience: 5-7 Years.

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