Photonics System Architect

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology? Lightium, a leading-edge photonics startup, is looking for a skilled Photonics System Architect to spearhead the system-level design and requirements management for internal and external customers in Lightium’s proprietary thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of photonics solutions while collaborating with leading transceiver manufacturers and optical interconnect hardware companies.

Position Summary

As a Photonics System Architect, you will be responsible for defining and implementing system-level architectures together with our customers and for Lightium’s reference designs from concept to schematic as well as layout in Lightium’s proprietary TFLN-based technology. You will have the opportunity to apply state-of-the-art requirements-tracking methodologies and tools to ensure success for internal and external customers. Your contributions will be pivotal to ensuring a first-time-right design of complex, high-speed, electro-optical photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

Key Responsibilities

System Concepts and Architecture: Design optical on-chip communication systems based on internal and externalcustomer requirements in the space of coherent communication in both C-band and O-band (coherent lite), intensity modulation direct detection (IMDD), quantum, radio over fiber (RoF), and passive optical networking (PON) systems. Setting up system-level specifications and derive block-level specifications. You will derive the system architectures of those systems and drive their schematic design and layout in state-of-the-art EDA tools. You will run system- and circuit-level simulations and optimize parameters to meet the target specifications while ensuring manufacturability and testability.

Relationship management: Act as the key interface with external parties such as drivers / TIA suppliers, packaging and integration houses (OSATs), strategic DSP partners, and customers.

Requirements Management: Benchmarking and selection of requirements management tools, their implementation, applying the previously-defined procedures and training of your colleagues and peers in the space of system engineering. Prior experience with PLM systems at an industrial level is advantageous for this role.

Collaboration: Work closely with the R&D teams from design to optical testing and characterization, contributing to cross-functional projects to advance our TFLN technologies. Occasional travel to Lightium’s existing customers and prospects.

Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation and report findings, as well as establishing standard-operating procedures and training new colleagues.

Innovation: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in photonics, incorporating new techniques and technologies into our R&D landscape. Contribution to Lightium’s IP portfolio.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background: An advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Communications, Integrated Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Experience Level: At least 5 years of work experience in RF and optical system design in integrated photonics (PICs), including ISO-compliant requirements management. Prior experience with integrated photonics, such as TFLN, silicon photonics, SiN, InP or related photonics platforms including microwave photonics, is mandatory for this role. Prior experience with IEEE standards such as IEEE 803.2ba, including 100 GbE LR4, 400 GbE DR4, 1.6T DR4, 1.6T ZR, and 1.6T ZR+, is a plus.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in system-level design including system-level simulation software packages such as Ansys Lumerical, GDSFactory, Luceda, PhotonDesign, Synopsis, Cadence or VPI Photonics. Strong understanding of system-level architectures in the space of photonics, like coherent transmitters and coherent receivers. Requirements tracking in accordance with the V development model. Prior experience with quantum computing systems or optical communication between or towards satellites is a plus.

Organization & Documentation: Strong organizational skills to plan your work schedule between multiple facilities, record your results and procedures, follow facilities’ guidelines, and use best practices to maintain confidentiality.

Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively in a multidisciplinary team and with international customers. Cultural awareness and tailoring of communication style to US, European, and Asian customers.

Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.

Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German, French, or an Asian language is an advantage.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including employee stock option plan (ESOP), reflective of your experience and expertise.

• Become a key player in an early-phase startup and be part of a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace.

We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment.

Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.