Senior Principal Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Description

A client of AlphaStaffHCM is seeking an experienced Senior/Principal Engineer to lead the design, integration, and development of photonic integrated circuits with integrated laser sources. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in semiconductor laser physics, photonic device design, process integration, and system-level modeling. This role requires a hands-on leader capable of driving projects from concept through fabrication, testing, and qualification, with a strong focus on innovation and performance optimization for next-generation photonic systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the design and modeling of integrated photonic circuits incorporating lasers, modulators, amplifiers, and passive components.
• Develop and optimize epitaxial structures for laser integration on photonic platforms (e.g., Thin-film lithium niobate, Si photonics).
• Perform optical and electrical modeling using tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL, FDTD, and Matlab/Python codes.
• Drive process integration efforts including mask design, fabrication flow development, and collaboration with foundry partners.
• Conduct device characterization, performance analysis, and reliability testing to meet product specifications.
• Provide technical leadership in cross-functional teams including epitaxy, process engineering, testing, and reliability.
• Support product qualification efforts including wafer acceptance testing, reliability modeling, and failure analysis.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and contribute to intellectual property and technical roadmap development.

Required Skills and Experience

• Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of industrial experience in semiconductor laser design, fabrication, and testing.
• Strong background in photonic device modeling (FDTD, FDFD, PWEM, TMM, FEM).
• Proficiency with photonic design and simulation tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, Sentaurus, etc.).
• Experience with III-V semiconductor processes including lithography, etching, deposition, and characterization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and mentor junior engineers.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with photonic crystal lasers (PCSEL), VCSELs, DFB, EML, or SOA devices.
• Knowledge of integrated photonic platforms (Si photonics, InP, heterogeneous integration).
• Proficiency in programming for data analysis and automation (Python, Matlab, SQL, VBA).
• Experience with reliability testing, wear-out modeling, and qualification for high-volume production.
• Familiarity with mask design tools (KLayout, L-Edit) and process integration for photonics.
• Track record of innovation through patents, publications, or product development.
• Experience working in a cross-cultural, multi-site R&D environment.



Disclaimers : AlphaStaff, Inc. and the Client are equal employment opportunity employers and do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, past or present military service, disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.