Optical Design Engineer

. Own the PIC product design cycle from simulation and Cadence Virtuoso layout through final GDS tapeout and post-fabrication validation .

Posted 10/24/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $138,100 - $198,200 per yearWebsite

Tools & technologies

Python

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the PIC product design cycle from simulation and Cadence Virtuoso layout through final GDS tapeout and post-fabrication validation
Co-design optimized opto-electronic chipsets with EIC and module teams to meet system-level specifications
Enable multiple PIC products and tapeouts per year
Design and own small test chips within one or two years to facilitate next-generation products
Process multiple PIC designs in parallel through design, tapeout, fabrication, and validation
Develop innovative photonic building blocks and products including CPO, NPO, OCI, and pluggable modules
Contribute to continuous product optimization and patent filings

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree plus 5 years of related experience, or Master's degree plus 3 years of related experience, or PhD plus 0 years of related experience
Prior experience in silicon photonics circuit modeling, layouts/tapeouts, and fabrication processes, including testing and validation
Prior experience in passive and active photonic device layouts, including GDS generation using EDA tools such as Cadence Virtuoso
Prior experience with lab measurements, data analysis, and automation using Matlab, LabVIEW, and Python
Prior experience working with cross-functional engineering teams
Prior experience with OE/RF simulation, including S-parameters, electronic driver/TIA co-simulation, and HFSS
Prior experience working with silicon photonics foundries
Prior experience using AI tools for data analysis, testing, and validation

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available, vesting following continued employment
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
Flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward annually
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies