About the role
PIC Design Engineer
Location: Vancouver, Canada (On-site)
Position Type: Full-Time A well-funded deep-tech startup is developing advanced manufacturing technology for next-generation photonic systems. The company is creating innovative optical packaging and coupling solutions that improve the performance and scalability of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for applications including AI infrastructure, high-performance computing, quantum technologies, sensing, and optical communications. As the company scales from R&D to commercialisation, they are looking for a Photonics Engineer to develop optical simulation workflows, design photonic coupling solutions, and support the development of next-generation PIC technologies.
What You'll Do
Design and simulate optical coupling solutions for lasers, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), and optical fibres. Develop and optimise PIC layouts using industry-standard layout tools and foundry PDKs. Build simulation workflows for photonic device design and optimisation. Collaborate with optical, packaging, manufacturing and software engineers to develop manufacturable products. Produce technical documentation including test plans, reports and design documentation. Present technical progress and support product development from concept through validation.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Photonics or a related discipline. 3+ years of experience designing photonic components, PICs or optical systems. Experience with silicon photonics, lasers, optical fibres and integrated photonic devices. Strong Python programming skills for automation and data analysis. Experience using electromagnetic simulation tools (FDTD, Beam Propagation, Ray Tracing or similar). Experience with GDSII layout tools (e.g. KLayout, L-Edit) and photonic foundry PDKs. Ability to produce clear technical documentation and work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams. Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience using optical test equipment such as lasers, optical power meters and spectrum analysers. Knowledge of photonic packaging, hybrid integration or optical assembly. Experience developing simulation or design automation workflows. Experience supporting the transition of new technologies from R&D into commercial products. Previous experience within a startup, industrial R&D or research environment.
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Not the right fit? Search for PIC Designer jobs in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
About Darwin Recruitment
Founded in 2001, Darwin Recruitment is a leading global STEM recruitment business with a specialist focus in Technology, Renewable Energy, Space & Satellite, and Engineering. We support companies across Europe and the USA, offering recruitment solutions that not only meet but exceed the demands of today's dynamic business environments.
Our Vision: To be the global STEM talent partner of choice.
Our Mission: Pushing boundaries of business and people - providing tomorrow’s talent solutions - today.
Our Values: Responsibility, Accountability, Passion, Integrity, Drive, Evolution.
Operating across diverse sectors, Darwin Recruitment is dedicated to enriching industries worldwide with top-tier talent. Our expertise in these areas positions us uniquely to foster career growth and respond effectively to the ever-evolving needs of businesses and individuals alike.
In addition to bespoke recruitment solutions, we also offer Employed Leasing/ANÜ/Detachering, Employer of Record, and Global Payroll services across all territories.
While we have many years of experience, we remain agile and innovative and we're continually looking for driven consultants eager to contribute to and grow within our expansive and innovative recruitment framework.
Similar Jobs
About the role
PIC Design Engineer
Location: Vancouver, Canada (On-site)
Position Type: Full-Time A well-funded deep-tech startup is developing advanced manufacturing technology for next-generation photonic systems. The company is creating innovative optical packaging and coupling solutions that improve the performance and scalability of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for applications including AI infrastructure, high-performance computing, quantum technologies, sensing, and optical communications. As the company scales from R&D to commercialisation, they are looking for a Photonics Engineer to develop optical simulation workflows, design photonic coupling solutions, and support the development of next-generation PIC technologies.
What You'll Do
Design and simulate optical coupling solutions for lasers, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), and optical fibres. Develop and optimise PIC layouts using industry-standard layout tools and foundry PDKs. Build simulation workflows for photonic device design and optimisation. Collaborate with optical, packaging, manufacturing and software engineers to develop manufacturable products. Produce technical documentation including test plans, reports and design documentation. Present technical progress and support product development from concept through validation.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Photonics or a related discipline. 3+ years of experience designing photonic components, PICs or optical systems. Experience with silicon photonics, lasers, optical fibres and integrated photonic devices. Strong Python programming skills for automation and data analysis. Experience using electromagnetic simulation tools (FDTD, Beam Propagation, Ray Tracing or similar). Experience with GDSII layout tools (e.g. KLayout, L-Edit) and photonic foundry PDKs. Ability to produce clear technical documentation and work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams. Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience using optical test equipment such as lasers, optical power meters and spectrum analysers. Knowledge of photonic packaging, hybrid integration or optical assembly. Experience developing simulation or design automation workflows. Experience supporting the transition of new technologies from R&D into commercial products. Previous experience within a startup, industrial R&D or research environment.
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Not the right fit? Search for PIC Designer jobs in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
About Darwin Recruitment
Founded in 2001, Darwin Recruitment is a leading global STEM recruitment business with a specialist focus in Technology, Renewable Energy, Space & Satellite, and Engineering. We support companies across Europe and the USA, offering recruitment solutions that not only meet but exceed the demands of today's dynamic business environments.
Our Vision: To be the global STEM talent partner of choice.
Our Mission: Pushing boundaries of business and people - providing tomorrow’s talent solutions - today.
Our Values: Responsibility, Accountability, Passion, Integrity, Drive, Evolution.
Operating across diverse sectors, Darwin Recruitment is dedicated to enriching industries worldwide with top-tier talent. Our expertise in these areas positions us uniquely to foster career growth and respond effectively to the ever-evolving needs of businesses and individuals alike.
In addition to bespoke recruitment solutions, we also offer Employed Leasing/ANÜ/Detachering, Employer of Record, and Global Payroll services across all territories.
While we have many years of experience, we remain agile and innovative and we're continually looking for driven consultants eager to contribute to and grow within our expansive and innovative recruitment framework.