{"id":23781,"url":"https://alion.io/job/taara-senior-photonic-circuits-design-engineer","title":"Senior Photonic Circuits Design Engineer","company":{"id":6577,"name":"Taara","domain":"taara.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/taara","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Ashby","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":84,"open_postings":21,"ghost_share":0.19,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":117,"computed_at":"2026-11-03T05:54:40Z"}},"role":"Semiconductors","role_family":"Semiconductors","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Sunnyvale, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":164000,"max_usd":300000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":83},"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Git","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2025-12-18T22:34:08Z","employer_posted_date":"2025-12-18","last_verified_at":"2026-11-03T14:42:57Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":319,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":1,"flags":["company_stale"],"days_open":319},"description":"About the Team\nBorn at X, Google's Moonshot Factory, Taara is on a mission to connect billions of people who lack abundant and affordable internet by pioneering high-throughput, long-range free-space optical communication (FSOC). Our links use eye-safe lasers propagating between two terminals to transmit high-speed data wirelessly. Lead the charge in bringing our groundbreaking wireless optical communication to the world. Join us to light the way toward bridging the digital divide and illuminating the future.\nAbout the Role\nTaara is seeking a Senior Photonic Circuits Design Engineer to work on next-generation photonic and electronic integrated modules as part of the R&D team developing cutting-edge wireless optical communication systems based on integrated optical phased arrays.\nThe successful candidate will own photonic circuit architecture, photonic spectral filter design, and photonic switch design within the very-large-scale photonic integrated circuits (PICs) designed at Taara. This includes contributing to photonic layout and to system considerations such as optical link modeling. The role requires extensive experience in photonic design and layout-including chip-level ownership of photonic circuit design for commercial foundry tapeouts-and deep expertise in spectral filter design and communication link budgets.\nWe are looking for a highly motivated individual who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys working in a small, dynamic team environment, and has a passion for solving challenging problems that lead to high-impact technological advances.\nHow you will make 10x impact:\nOwn and deliver record-breaking photonic integrated circuit designs.\n\nContribute to photonic layout, system-level optimization, and product strategy.\n\nDemonstrate a strong motivation to make the world a better place through technology and a desire to be part of the team making this happen.\n\nWhat you should have:\nPh.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.\n\nFive (5) or more years of relevant industry experience with demonstrated achievements in photonic circuit designs.\n\nExtensive expertise in photonic spectral filter design and photonic link modeling.\n\nExpertise in photonic switch design, antenna theory, and photonic layout.\n\nExperience with photonic device simulation software (Lumerical or equivalent).\n\nExperience with optical link simulation software (VPIphotonics, Lumerical Interconnect, or equivalent).\n\nHands-on experience with multiple tapeouts at commercial foundries.\n\nIt would be great if you also had these:\nExperience with Python, Git, and gdsfactory.\n\nExperience with Design Rule Checks (DRC) and Layout Versus Schematic (LVS).\n\nExperience with commercial layout verification software (Calibre or equivalent).\n\nExcellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior external partners.\n\nHands-on experience in advancing a product from the prototype phase to the final production stage.\n\nHybrid/Onsite in Sunnyvale, CA is preferred. Relocation assistance can be provided.\nThe US base salary range for this full-time position is $220,000 - $270,000 (inclusive of bonus at target) + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. 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