Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology? Lightium, a leading-edge photonics startup, is looking for a skilled Photonics System Engineer to spearhead the system-level design and requirements engineering for internal and external customers in Lightium’s proprietary thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of photonics solutions while collaborating with top academic institutions.
As a Photonics System Engineer, you will define, implement and apply state-of-the-art requirements tracking methodologies and tools to guarantee the success of internal and external customers using our TFLN-based foundry services. You will derive the system-level architectures together with our customers and Lightium’s reference designs. Your contributions will be pivotal in ensuring a first-time right design of complex electro-optical high-speed systems, which is required for scaling the business of the company towards a customer-centric organization.
Process Development: Define and implement best-in-class requirements management methods and standard operating procedures for Lightium’s high-speed electro-optical TFLN-based PIC technology in collaboration with its internal and external stakeholders.
Technical Work: You will be responsible for defining system-level architectures of various chip designs for Lightium’s internal and external customers in the space of coherent communications, IMDD as well as quantum, radio-over-fiber and PON. Prior experience with IEEE standards such as IEEE 803.2ba including 100 GbE LR4, 400 GbE DR4 up to 1.6 DR4 and 1.6 ZR is a plus.
Requirements Management: Benchmarking and selection of requirements management tools, their implementation, applying the previously defined procedures and training of your colleagues and peers in the space of system engineering. Prior experience with PLM systems at industrial level is advantageous for this role.
Collaboration: Work closely with the R&D teams from design to optical testing and characterization, contributing to cross-functional projects to advance our TFLN technologies. Occasional travel to Lightium’s existing customers and prospects.
Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation and report findings, as well as establishing standard-operating procedures and training new colleagues.
Innovation: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in photonics, incorporating new techniques and technologies into our metrology landscape. Contribution to Lightium’s IP portfolio.
Educational Background: An advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Communication, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
Experience: At least 3 years of work experience in RF and optical system design at industrial level and ISO-compliant requirements engineering. Prior experience with integrated photonics, such as TFLN, silicon photonics, SiN, InP or related photonics platforms including microwave photonics.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in system-level, block-level and component-level requirement tracking according to the V development model, strong understanding on system-level architectures in the space of photonics, like coherent transmitters and coherent receivers. Prior experience with quantum computing systems is a plus.
Organization & Documentation: Strong organizational skills to plan your work schedule between multiple facilities, record your results and procedures following facility guidelines, and use best practices to maintain confidentiality.
Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively in a multidisciplinary team and with international customers. Cultural awareness and tailoring of communication style to US, European and Asian customers.
Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.
Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German, French or an Asian language is an advantage.
Competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP), fully-covered Pillar Two, and generous vacation.
A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.
We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and result-driven environment. Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace. Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
We are a Swiss startup powering ultra-fast, energy-efficient photonic devices through the first 200 mm foundry platform based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN).
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