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Engineer - Nonlinear Photonics

PHI Lab

Sunnyvale, CA, USA

Posted on 02 Jun, 2025

Skills
No skill added

Job Summary
Engineering role focused on design, modeling, fabrication, and characterization of cutting-edge integrated photonic devices that enable compact, low-power, and high-performance optical frequency combs sources. Application spaces include communications, computation, and metrology.

Position Details

NTT Research Inc. is a leader in cutting-edge photonic technologies, driving innovation in telecommunications, optical computing, nonlinear optics, and quantum hardware. Our team is composed of world-class scientists and engineers developing next-generation optical systems; we aim to push the envelope at every level, from precision fabrication to system-scale design. We are now seeking a highly motivated and technically strong photonics engineer to join our team and contribute to the advancement of technologies based on thin-film lithium niobate.

As a photonics engineer, you will be responsible for designing, modeling, and characterizing nonlinear optical devices and systems. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement innovative photonic components that leverage nonlinear effects to generate, and control, broadband optical signals. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience generating, shaping, and stabilizing optical frequency combs.

Responsibilities

Design and simulate nonlinear optical circuits and devices using tools like Lumerical, COMSOL, or similar.
Perform analytical and numerical modeling of nonlinear phenomena in waveguides, resonators, or fibers.
Develop fabrication-ready layouts for tape-outs of nonlinear PICs.
Conduct experimental characterization of nonlinear photonic devices, including setting up and running optical test benches.
Analyze experimental data and iterate designs for performance optimization.
Work with cross-functional teams to integrate PIC-based comb sources with electronic and packaging subsystems.
Document research findings, contribute to patents, and publish in peer-reviewed journals or conferences.

Past Project Details

Required Qualifications

Exceptional candidates will be considered regardless of background.
M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optics, or a related field.
Strong background in nonlinear optics and integrated photonics.
Proficiency in simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, Python/Matlab).
Experience with optical lab setups, fiber optics, modulators, and photonic device characterization.
Experience with radiofrequency electronics.
Familiarity with photonic material platforms (e.g., silicon/silicon nitride photonics, lithium niobate, chalcogenide, III-V semiconductors).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with photonic chip design (GDSII layout, PDKs).
Knowledge of quantum optics or ultrafast optics.
Experience working with academic or industry foundries.
Experience with microwave electronics.
Familiarity with hybrid photonic/electronic integration and packaging.