Principal Photonics Engineer – Laser, III-V Integration

Coherent Corp.

. Lead development of next-generation integrated laser technologies for advanced optical communication and photonic systems .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeFremont • California • United StatesLead💰 $146,000 - $202,063 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in semiconductor laser technologies and integrated photonics, with a strong focus on design, optimization, and fabrication processes. Proficient in collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop advanced optical communication solutions and ensure subsystem performance meets stringent requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD Or Master’s Degree In Electrical EngineeringFive Or More Years Of Experience In Semiconductor LasersStrong Knowledge Of Semiconductor Laser PhysicsExperience With Optical Characterization Of Semiconductor LasersFamiliarity With Lumerical, Tidy3D, RSoft, Photon Design

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Semiconductor Laser PhysicsIntegrated Photonic Device DesignWaveguide DesignOptical CharacterizationFabrication ProcessesIII-V EpitaxyPIC LayoutSimulation Automation In PythonOptoelectronic PackagingData Analysis

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsTroubleshooting SkillsCommunication SkillsTeamwork Skills

Tools & Technologies

LumericalTidy3DRSoftPhoton Design

Certifications & Qualifications

ISO 9000ISO 9001ISO 14001

Industry Keywords

Integrated PhotonicsOptoelectronic DevicesOptical CommunicationPhotonic IntegrationIII-V Semiconductor Materials

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead development of next-generation integrated laser technologies for advanced optical communication and photonic systems
Develop laser integration solutions for highly integrated optical transceivers, co-packaged optics, and future optical interconnect architectures
Design and optimize photonic components and circuits supporting laser integration
Develop architectures integrating III-V gain materials and semiconductor laser devices with silicon photonics and other photonic platforms
Explore hybrid and heterogeneous integration approaches
Define laser and gain-chip requirements with III-V device and epitaxy teams and optimize device performance
Design photonic interfaces between laser chips and PICs, including mode converters, spot-size converters, and optical coupling structures
Work with fabrication teams and foundries to define device structures, fabrication processes, and process improvements
Develop and optimize fabrication and integration processes for laser and photonic devices
Collaborate with advanced packaging teams on laser-to-PIC integration, optical alignment, thermal management, electrical interfaces, and reliability
Perform optical and electromagnetic simulations
Support characterization and optimization of lasers and integrated photonic devices
Analyze experimental results and measurement data to improve designs, integration approaches, and fabrication processes
Support PIC and laser tape-outs and collaborate with foundries and fabrication partners
Develop test structures and methodologies for photonic devices, III-V materials, and integrated laser assemblies
Work with systems engineering teams to ensure subsystem performance meets system requirements
Contribute to new laser architectures and photonic integration concepts

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, Optics, Materials Science, or a related field
Five or more years of relevant industry or advanced research experience in semiconductor lasers, integrated photonics, or optoelectronic devices
Strong knowledge of semiconductor laser physics and laser device operation
Strong understanding of III-V semiconductor materials and devices, including materials and structures used for lasers and optical amplifiers
Experience with semiconductor lasers, including DFB lasers, DBR lasers, Fabry-Perot lasers, SOAs, or other integrated laser technologies
Strong background in integrated photonic device and circuit design
Experience designing waveguides, couplers, tapers, Bragg gratings, resonators, and filters
Experience with semiconductor fabrication processes, III-V epitaxy, wafer processing, or photonic foundries
Experience with optical characterization of semiconductor lasers and photonic devices
Familiarity with Lumerical, Tidy3D, RSoft, Photon Design, or equivalent
Experience with PIC layout, foundry PDKs, and tapeout flows
Strong understanding of photonic and optoelectronic packaging, including die attach, optical alignment, thermal management, wire bonding, and fiber coupling
Programming experience in Python or similar languages for simulation automation and data analysis is desirable
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills across photonics, III-V materials, fabrication, and packaging
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Ability to follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards
Ability to support applicable ISO 9000, 9001, 14001, or other relevant standards depending on location

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation program
Career development platform
Stability, longevity, and growth opportunities
Equal opportunity employment
Disability accommodation support
Occasional off-site meetings or travel
Flexibility in work hours
Potential occasional overtime