Photonics IC Team Lead

Photonics IC Team Lead

€100,000-€140,000

Germany-based Deep-Tech Company

Join a pioneering silicon photonics company developing the next generation of optical interconnect technology powering AI infrastructure and hyperscale data centres. Backed by world-class expertise, the business is pushing the boundaries of photonics, combining high-speed electronics and silicon photonics to accelerate AI capabilities.

We're looking for a Team Lead Photonics IC Engineer to take ownership of advanced PIC development, leading the design of high-speed silicon photonics devices and guiding a talented engineering team from concept through to production. This is a rare opportunity to combine hands-on technical work with leadership in a fast-growing, international environment where your designs will directly influence next-generation 200G and 400G optical transceiver technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop active photonic devices for O-band and C-band applications.
• Model electro-optic device behaviour under both static and transient RF conditions.
• Simulate photonic integrated circuits on SOI platforms.
• Partner with cross-functional teams on system-level channel simulations.
• Establish and evolve scalable design methodologies and development environments.

What We’re Looking For

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Deep expertise in FDTD, eigenmode expansion, and TCAD simulation techniques.
• Experience with RF circuit design and PIC/EIC design tools (e.g. Lumerical suite, HFSS)
• Demonstrated end-to-end PIC design experience, from specifications through tape-out.
• Object-oriented programming skills.
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration abilities.
• Fluency in English (German is a plus)

What’s on Offer

• €100,000–€140,000 (depending on experience)
• Stock options
• Significant ownership and autonomy within a flat organisational structure
• A rapidly growing international team in a highly motivating environment