Senior Photonics Design Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 13, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 13, 2026.
About us
Salience Labs is developing optical circuit switching technology for AI infrastructure, aimed at significantly reducing latency and cost in data centre networks. As we move towards real-world deployment, you’ll have genuine ownership of your area, working alongside a highly technical team of physicists, engineers and software specialists on one of the hardest problems in AI infrastructure.
Job Overview
This role will focus on the design, optimisation, and development of high performance photonic components for next generation Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), contributing directly to our future tape-outs and core IP roadmap.
You will work closely with photonics designers, layout engineers, and testing teams to improve the performance of integrated photonic devices through theoretical analysis, simulation, modelling, and design innovation.
This is a highly technical role suited to someone who enjoys solving difficult physics and engineering problems in a collaborative deep-tech environment. You will take a lead role in the development of key building blocks within our optical switching and photonic systems roadmap, and other integrated photonic components critical to future high port count architectures.
What you’ll be doing
Lead the design and optimisation of integrated photonic components for silicon photonics and related PIC platforms
Perform electromagnetic simulations, modelling, and theoretical analysis to improve device performance
Validate simulation results against experimental measurement data
Develop innovative component designs informed by current research and emerging techniques
Collaborate with layout engineers to integrate components into PDK libraries and tape-out flows
Work closely with fabrication and testing teams to iterate on device performance
Lead the development roadmap for future photonic components and architectures
Drive long term improvements in PIC loss, manufacturability, and scalability
Lead technical discussions, design reviews, and cross functional problem solving
Mentor and guide other engineers in photonic design and simulation practice
Stay current with advances in integrated photonics through research literature and conferences
What we’re looking for
PhD, or equivalent industry experience, in Photonics, Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
Typically 5+ years of relevant experience in integrated photonic device design, including taking designs through to tape-out and measurement
Strong theoretical understanding of guided optics and photonic device physics
Hands-on experience designing and simulating integrated photonic components
Experience working with silicon photonics or InP photonic platforms
Strong analytical and mathematical problem solving capability
A track record of meaningful technical contributions, whether through publications, patents, or shipped technology
Experience using photonic simulation tools and modelling workflows
Python programming experience for simulation, analysis, or automation
Deep understanding of Photonic IC design and fabrication flows
Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes
Experience working in commercial R&D or product development environments
Experience mentoring or technically guiding other engineers
Strong communication skills and attention to detail
Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
You will join a highly ambitious deep-tech company operating at the intersection of AI infrastructure, semiconductors, and photonics. We are building foundational technology with the potential to reshape the performance envelope of future AI systems.
Alongside a collaborative and research-driven environment, you will have the opportunity to work on genuinely difficult engineering problems with direct impact on product direction and company growth.
If you’re excited by integrated photonics, advanced device design, and solving hard engineering problems at the frontier of AI infrastructure, we’d love to hear from you.