Are you passionate about photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology and enjoy working closely with customers and developing advanced PIC systems? Lightium, a cutting-edge photonics startup, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Photonic Application Engineer to support our customers by being their primary technical contact and develop complex PIC systems. This role, central within the organisation, creates the hub between our customers’ success and our R&D teams.

Position Summary

As a Senior Photonic Application Engineer, you will be a crucial part of our customer support team, ensuring seamless communication and technical guidance throughout the PIC development process. You will leverage your experience in integrated photonics design to assist customers through the whole cycle from initial idea and design to prototyping, production and packaging, ensuring their requirements are met and their expectations exceeded.

Key Responsibilities

Central Role: Act as a key liaison between Lightium’s R&D teams and customers, ensuring effective communication and collaboration to ensure successful projects.

Customer Relationship: Serve as the first technical contact for customers, understanding their specific needs and providing expert guidance on PIC design and layout.

Design Support: Help customers design and layout their PICs, offering insights and solutions to optimize performance and compatibility with Lightium’s PDK and design rules as well as characterization and packaging standards. Conduct thorough design rules checks (DRC) to ensure customer designs meet all required specifications and standards.

Production Updates: Keep customers informed on the status of their PICs throughout the production process, addressing any concerns and providing timely updates.

Technical Expertise: Stay updated on the latest advancements in integrated photonics and apply this knowledge to assist customers effectively.

Documentation: Maintain detailed records of customer interactions and technical support provided, ensuring all information is accurately documented.

What you’ll bring

Educational Background: A PhD or Master degree in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: At least 3 years of experience in integrated photonics design (either in SiP, SiN, InP, TFLN or etc.), strongly emphasising customer interaction and support. Experience with thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) is a strong plus.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in PIC design and EDA software, such as Luceda IPKISS, Synopsys, or Nazca, and extensive experience with design rules checks (DRC). Strong know-how and knowledge about various PIC systems ranging from telecom to quantum and sensing. Strong experience with PDKs as well as testing and electro-optics packaging requirements.

Customer-Centric: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to understand and address customer needs.

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to solving technical challenges.

Adaptability: 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 or French is an advantage.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.
• 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 join 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 photonics and enjoy working closely with customers to bring innovative solutions to life. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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