Design Engineer and Project Lead

About us

We're a multicultural team of experts pushing the boundaries of what's possible in integrated optics. Our mission is to make photonic integration accessible and industrially scalable. We deliver best-in-class PIC platforms, design enablement, and integrated solutions that empower our customers to innovate faster and bring light-based technologies from concept to production.

About the role

As an Integrated Photonics Design & Project Lead, you will drive the creation and industrialization of cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits (PICs) from initial concept to scalable manufacturing. Bridging the gap between hands-on optical design, semiconductor process engineering, and strategic project management, you will own the building blocks that power our next-generation platform. In this high-impact position, you will lead interdisciplinary initiatives, collaborate with world-class foundry and test teams, and directly shape how light-based technologies transform deep-tech industries.

Role and Responsibilities

• PCM Building Block Development: Design, simulation, layout, metrology planning, and data analysis of integrated photonic components.

• Design for Testability (DFT): Collaborate with the characterization team to gather capabilities, design necessary test structures, support test planning and develop and analyse extracted data.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Interface with the 200mm process team and yield engineering to collect requirements and capabilities, design appropriate test structures, and assist with test planning, data processing, and analysis.

• Technical Project Planning and Reporting: Take responsibility for project feasibility analysis and ensure clear, concise, and thorough documentation and technical reporting.

• Technical project management: Follow project execution, ensure projects are on time, scope and budget; lead technical discussions with internal and external stakeholders; be the bridge between the engineering teams and the admin & finance department; ensure deliverables’ quality and contribute to problem solving and risk management.

What you bring

• MSc or PhD in photonics or related fields.

• Minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in integrated optics design, preferably industrial.

• Solid understanding of different photonic material platforms.

• Proven track record in technical project management, coupled with a deep understanding of various PIC technologies and their diverse applications.

• Photonic layout experience (e.g. IPKISS, GDSFactory) and design experience (e.g. Lumerical).

• Expert proficiency in:

  • Designing passive photonic components and circuits.

  • Python programming and tools such as numpy, scipy, and related libraries

  • Code versioning.

  • Photonic layouting (IPKISS tool knowledge is a plus).

• Familiarity with:

  • How PIC manufacturing affects design and layout (DFT/DFM).

  • Active components design (heterogeneous integration is a plus).

  • Experience with data visualization tools (matplotlib, plotly, or similar).

• A solutions-oriented mindset, critical thinking abilities, and the capacity to thrive in a dynamic, shifting environment.

• Excellent communication and reporting.

• Experience in leading technical discussions and interacting with large and interdisciplinary teams and consortia

What we offer

A dynamic role at the heart of the deep-tech revolution where your technical expertise directly impacts product adoption. You will join an international team of specialists, gain deep exposure to market-leading photonic applications, and shape how photonic integration is deployed worldwide.

Practicalities

• Location: Paris, France.

• Work percentage: 100%.

• Languages: English is our working language, other languages are a plus.

• Home office: up to two days per week.

• Start date: As soon as possible.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Please submit your application through our career page.

For other questions, contact Manal Mohamed, HR Business Partner at [email protected]