Company Overview:

Lucidean is pioneering the next generation of optical communications to unlock faster, more efficient AI data centers. Founded by leading photonics pioneers out of UC Santa Barbara, Lucidean’s game-changing link architecture and photonic integrated circuit designs are ideally suited to deliver coherent links in data center environments where incumbent technologies face fundamental barriers.

Role Overview: Photonic Design Engineer at Lucidean

As a Photonics Design Engineer at Lucidean, you’ll help design and optimize cutting-edge passive and active photonic components powering next-generation high-speed optical links. You’ll combine deep simulation, DOE-driven experimentation, and hands-on lab validation to turn new PIC concepts into real, measurable performance. From layout and system modeling to packaging, integration, and reliability testing, you’ll work across the full development cycle and grow quickly alongside a world-class team building the future of optical communication.

Key Responsibilities:

· Design, simulate, and optimize passive and active photonic components using a variety of simulation tools like RSoft, Lumerical, HFSS, EMPro, COMSOL, Sentaurus, and Silvaco.

· Plan and execute Design of Experiments (DOEs) to optimize photonic components.

· Design layouts for high-speed optical transmitters and receivers on tools such as GDS Factory, Luceda IPKISS, and OptoCompiler.

· Perform system-level simulations, integrating both simulated and real test data, using tools such as OptSim and VPI.

· Oversee assembly, packaging, and integration of PICs with electronic components on PCBs.

· Define and implement standardized test plans for photonic components and PICs.

· Conduct comprehensive testing and validation of high-speed PICs and optoelectronic assemblies, including transmitters and receivers.

· Define and execute reliability studies and failure analysis for photonic components, PICs and optoelectronic assemblies.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

· M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.

· Experience with design, test, and integration of photonic components including lasers, MZMs, photodiodes, and passive components.

· Hands‑on experience developing and executing test plans for PICs.

· Proficiency in the simulation and design tools listed under Key Responsibilities.

· Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

· Experience delivering photonic components and PICs for telecom or datacom products.

· High-speed modulator and detector design and test experience.

· Experience with PIC product packaging, testing, and qualification.

· Yield, reliability and failure analysis experience.

Why Join Lucidean?

· Push the frontier of optical interconnect technologies for AI computing in exciting start-up.

· Work alongside a dedicated, diverse team focused on making a tangible impact.

· Contribute to and help shape a flexible and dynamic startup environment with a culture of continuous learning and development.

· Competitive salary, equity options, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Lucidean provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Lucidean does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.