Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist - High-Speed Silicon Photonics & Modulator Systems, IME

Job Description Role Overview We are seeking a highly experienced and self-driven senior scientist to lead and advance high-speed silicon photonics and heterogeneous integration technologies for data center and optical interconnect (OIO) applications. The role will focus on device innovation, system-level definition, and translation of research into scalable platforms and potential commercialization opportunities.

This position is well-suited for a candidate with deep expertise in high-speed optical modulators, heterogeneous integration (e.g., LN-on-Si), and hands-on experience bridging device, system, and application-level requirements.

Responsibilities

Device and Technology Development Lead the design and development of high-speed thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) modulators for data center applications. Drive innovation in silicon microring modulators for optical I/O (OIO) and short-reach interconnects. Contribute to heterogeneous integration strategies, including LN-on-Si and LN-on-SiN platforms , in close collaboration with fabrication and process teams.

Testing and Characterization Standardization Establish and standardize high-speed RF and optical testing methodologies for modulators and photodetectors. Lead the development and enhancement of ultra-high-speed test infrastructure (≥100 GHz bandwidth, targeting 400 G/lane and beyond). Define best practices for data transmission testing, signal integrity analysis, and performance benchmarking.

System-Level Architecture and Requirements Define system-level requirements for optical I/O (OIO) based on data center architectures and real-world deployment constraints. Translate application-level needs into PDK-level performance specifications (e.g., bandwidth, linearity, power efficiency, thermal tolerance). Evaluate and benchmark different optical transceiver form factors and map their implications to PIC and PDK development.

Translation and Commercialization Support or lead efforts toward technology spin-off , including PIC- or module-level productization. Contribute to roadmap definition for scalable manufacturing and potential industry adoption. Mentor junior researchers and engineers, fostering a high-performance and innovation-driven culture.

Job Requirements Qualifications PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or a closely related field. Strong academic training in photonic device physics, modulation techniques, and optoelectronic systems. Technical Expertise Demonstrated expertise in high-speed optical modulator design , such as: Silicon modulators, Lithium niobate (LN/TFLN) modulators, Hybrid and heterogeneous integration (e.

g., LN-on-Si). Hands-on experience with high-speed optical and RF testing , including modulators and photodetectors. Strong understanding of optical communication systems , especially for data center and short-reach interconnects. Experience developing or maintaining photonic PDKs used in real products or customer designs.

Industry and Research Experience Proven experience leading or contributing to end-to-end R&D , from concept and prototyping to system validation. Familiarity with transitioning research prototypes toward production or commercialization . Experience working in or closely with industrial research environments is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in data center optical interconnects, optical transceivers, or OIO architectures. Track record of impactful publications, patents, or deployed technologies. Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams (design, process, test, and system). Entrepreneurial mindset with interest or experience in spin-offs or technology transfer