Senior Simulation Engineer – Optical & Photonics Temecula, CA | Full-Time Summary: The Senior Simulation Engineer – Optical & Photonics is a highly technical engineering role responsible for the high-fidelity modeling, simulation, and virtual prototyping of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This individual will design and optimize high-performance III-V and Silicon Photonics devices, including lasers, modulators, photodetectors, and passive optical components. Working closely with device designers, fabrication teams, and an in-house foundry, this role serves as a critical bridge between theoretical modeling and physical device implementation. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in computational photonics, semiconductor physics, multi-physics simulation, and the development of photonic products from concept through manufacturing. Key Responsibilities: • Design, model, and simulate advanced III-V and Silicon Photonics devices and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) • Develop high-fidelity models for active and passive components, including DFB/DBR lasers, SOAs, EAM/MZM modulators, UTC photodiodes, optical couplers, WDM devices, and 90-degree hybrids • Lead multi-physics simulations combining optical, electrical, and thermal models, including analysis of self-heating and other device-performance effects • Optimize RF performance for high-speed modulators and optical-electrical conversion efficiency • Optimize epitaxy layers, quantum well designs, optical modes, and impedance matching across heterogeneous material interfaces • Model and optimize III-V and Silicon heterogeneous integration for next-generation photonic devices • Partner directly with internal fabrication and device-design teams to translate simulation results into actionable device layouts • Support HPIC layouts, process design rules, DRC (Design Rule Check), and LVS (Layout Versus Schematic) activities to ensure tapeout accuracy • Execute virtual Design of Experiments (DOE) to predict device performance, reliability, and manufacturing behavior • Validate simulation results against internal laboratory characterization data and refine models and material parameters based on measured performance • Develop automated simulation and data-analysis workflows using Python and/or MATLAB • Analyze large technical datasets and use statistical methods to identify trends, optimize performance, and communicate results • Troubleshoot discrepancies between simulated and measured device performance and recommend design or process improvements • Present complex technical findings, design trade-offs, and recommendations to engineering teams, leadership, and customers Desired Skills: • Deep expertise in Silicon Photonics, III-V photonics, photonic integrated circuits, and semiconductor device modeling • Expert-level proficiency with Ansys Lumerical, including FDTD, MODE, DEVICE, and INTERCONNECT • Experience with photonics simulation platforms such as Synopsys RSoft/OptSim and Zemax/Speos • Experience with RF and electromagnetic simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS, or CST Microwave Studio • Advanced proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for simulation automation, modeling, and large-scale data analysis • Strong understanding of semiconductor physics, including bandgap engineering, carrier dynamics, recombination mechanisms, band structures, and quantum well design • Experience modeling optical, electrical, thermal, and RF interactions in high-performance photonic devices • Strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication and how epitaxy growth, etching profiles, and metallization affect optical and electrical device performance • Familiarity with fiber coupling, optical packaging, and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) • Experience with DRC, LVS, process design rules, and tapeout processes • Experience using statistical analysis tools such as JMP or Minitab is preferred • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, particularly in identifying and resolving discrepancies between modeled and measured performance • Excellent technical communication skills with the ability to explain complex engineering trade-offs to technical teams, leadership, and customers • Proven ability to collaborate across device design, fabrication, characterization, and manufacturing teams Education & Experience: Minimum Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline with an emphasis on computational photonics • 10+ years of industrial experience in photonics simulation and design • Extensive hands-on experience with III-V and Silicon Photonics device modeling • Proven track record of bringing photonic or semiconductor products from concept and simulation through fabrication and manufacturing • Significant experience with active and passive photonic device simulation, multi-physics modeling, and model validation • Experience working directly with semiconductor fabrication or an in-house foundry environment strongly preferred • Demonstrated experience translating simulation results into manufacturable device designs Work Environment & Travel: • Full-time position in a temperature-controlled office and laboratory environment • Role requires prolonged use of high-resolution monitors for detailed simulation and modeling work • Expected travel is less than 25% • Position is based at a facility operating under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) • Applicants must qualify as a “U.S. person” under ITAR, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders), political asylees, and refugees Compensation & Benefits: • Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications • Comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, dental, and vision coverage • 401(k) • Company-paid life insurance • Company-paid disability coverage • Paid holidays and vacation • Birthday leave • Gym membership discounts