Lead Engineer, Santa Rosa

Engineering Lead – High Speed modulators - Bay Area
$200,000 – $275,000 + Bonus + Stock Options
A leading optical communications company is hiring for an Engineer with a background in designing high-speed optical or Photonic modulators to create advanced III-V modulators for next-generation data centre and AI products.
The Role:
You will drive end-to-end development from epitaxy and modulator device design through fabrication, production, working closely with external foundries and cross-functional teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Design III-V epitaxial structures (MQWs, waveguides)
Develop high-speed modulators for high-speed applications (EAM/MZM)
Design and simulate photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
Optimise fabrication processes with foundry partners
Lead testing, data analysis, and performance improvement
Collaborate with packaging and system teams
Requirements:
MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Semiconductor Devices, or related field
Deep expertise in III-V materials, epitaxy, device physics, and fabrication
Proven leadership in at least one of the following:100 mW DFB lasers (O-band or C-band), 100 Gb/s electro-absorption modulators (EML/EAM/MZM)
Strong simulation and modelling skills (optical + RF + device physics)
Hands-on experience with device testing and characterisation
Experience working with external foundries and driving process optimisation
Compensation:
$200,000 – $275,000 base salary – Flexibility for exceptional candidates
Bonus
Stock options/equity participation
Medical insurance.
Full benefits package