What can you expect in the role of Photonic Development Scientist?

• Drawing on personal experience to direct the development of photonic devices at TOPTICA

• Contributing to the design and specifications of products from R&D to Engineering to manufacturability of integrated photonic-based devices

• Analyzing system performance or operational requirements to assess functionality of photonics systems and/or components

• Developing and characterizing early photonic prototypes including coupling of PICs to gain chips and fibers and characterization of PIC performance

• Working with Product Management to adequately vet markets for potential TOPTICA products

• Assessing partners and establishing the best supply chain

• Coordination with other subsidiaries and global R&D resources to leverage existing capabilities

• Working with internal and external resources focused on electrical, mechanical, and controls design to achieve system-level performance goals

• Specifying and outfitting dedicated manufacturing space with all necessary workstations, fixturing and instrumentation for design and testing of photonics systems or components 

• Ensuring that products conform to TPI’s high standard of performance, quality, and reliability

• Designing or developing new materials and processes for photonics applications

• Working in concert with service to support products after delivery

• Periodic travel to TOPTICA headquarters in Germany, TOPTICA worldwide offices, distributors, and customers to stay abreast of developments in the field

Must-haves: What you’ll need for this role?

• PhD with focus in Photonic Integrated Circuits, Semiconductor Device Physics and Quantum and Nonlinear Photonics

• Demonstrated significant skill simulating integrated photonic devices in Lumerical

• Strong ability to assemble overall circuits and generate layouts for fabrication in any of a number of packages (Nazca, GDSFactory, etc.)

• Knowledge of fabrication techniques and limitations necessary to efficiently work with fabrication partners

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Desire to remain active in the field and community via trade shows, conference presentations, workshops, and peer-reviewed publications

What would be a plus in this role?

• First-hand photonic fabrication experience

• Experience designing for low-loss silicon nitride films

Experience integrating gain material with PICs (laser diodes, SOAs, etc.)

What we offer:

• Medical Coverage: TOPTICA provides 100% employer-paid medical insurance through Excellus with a fully funded HRA for in-network expenses

• Dental Coverage: Employees receive 100% employer-paid dental coverage through Excellus Dental with a $600 annual HRA

• Life Insurance: TOPTICA offers a basic term life policy through Unum equal to two times the employee’s salary (up to $300,000) at no cost, effective after 30 days

• Long-Term Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by a Unum long-term disability policy that provides partial income if disabled, effective after 30 days

• Retirement Plan: Full-time employees can participate in the 401(k) plan, with company matching up to 6% after six months

• Paid Time Off: Employees receive 7 sick days, 3 personal days, and accrue vacation starting at 10 days per year, increasing to 15 days after two years

• Observed Holidays: Employees receive 12 paid U.S. federal holidays each year

• Company Shutdown: TOPTICA observes a year-end shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s.

• Possible Salary: $90,000 - $150,000 on an annualized basis