Senior Photonic Circuits Design Engineer

Department: Engineering

Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Employment Type: FullTime

About the Team

Born at X, Google's Moonshot Factory, Taara is on a mission to connect billions of people who lack abundant and affordable internet by pioneering high-throughput, long-range free-space optical communication (FSOC). Our links use eye-safe lasers propagating between two terminals to transmit high-speed data wirelessly. Lead the charge in bringing our groundbreaking wireless optical communication to the world. Join us to light the way toward bridging the digital divide and illuminating the future.

About the Role

Taara is seeking a Senior Photonic Circuits Design Engineer to work on next-generation photonic and electronic integrated modules as part of the R&D team developing cutting-edge wireless optical communication systems based on integrated optical phased arrays.

The successful candidate will own photonic circuit architecture, photonic spectral filter design, and photonic switch design within the very-large-scale photonic integrated circuits (PICs) designed at Taara. This includes contributing to photonic layout and to system considerations such as optical link modeling. The role requires extensive experience in photonic design and layout—including chip-level ownership of photonic circuit design for commercial foundry tapeouts—and deep expertise in spectral filter design and communication link budgets.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys working in a small, dynamic team environment, and has a passion for solving challenging problems that lead to high-impact technological advances.

How you will make 10x impact:

• Own and deliver record-breaking photonic integrated circuit designs.

• Contribute to photonic layout, system-level optimization, and product strategy.

• Demonstrate a strong motivation to make the world a better place through technology and a desire to be part of the team making this happen.

What you should have:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.

• Five (5) or more years of relevant industry experience with demonstrated achievements in photonic circuit designs.

• Extensive expertise in photonic spectral filter design and photonic link modeling.

• Expertise in photonic switch design, antenna theory, and photonic layout.

• Experience with photonic device simulation software (Lumerical or equivalent).

• Experience with optical link simulation software (VPIphotonics, Lumerical Interconnect, or equivalent).

• Hands-on experience with multiple tapeouts at commercial foundries.

It would be great if you also had these:

• Experience with Python, Git, and gdsfactory.

• Experience with Design Rule Checks (DRC) and Layout Versus Schematic (LVS).

• Experience with commercial layout verification software (Calibre or equivalent).

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior external partners.

• Hands-on experience in advancing a product from the prototype phase to the final production stage.

Hybrid/Onsite in Sunnyvale, CA is preferred. Relocation assistance can be provided.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $220,000 - $270,000 (inclusive of bonus at target) + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.