Silicon Photonics Device Architect (AI)

Location: On-site in Austin, TX or Sunnyvale, CA

Salary: $270,000–$325,000 per year, plus equity

Company

hirify.global is a startup developing silicon photonics and programmable metasurface technology for energy-efficient AI inference hardware.

What you will do

• Own the architecture, design, modeling, and optimization of silicon photonic devices for high-speed AI computing.
• Develop end-to-end system link budgets and integrate grating couplers, waveguides, SOAs, photodetectors, and optical fiber assemblies.
• Collaborate with external foundries on PDK-based manufacturable designs and successful silicon photonics tape-outs.
• Perform DFM and DFT evaluations, optical simulations, experimental validation, and laboratory characterization.
• Work with optomechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams on system-level integration.
• Lead design reviews, develop optical test plans and manufacturing guidelines, and support IP development and patent filings.

Requirements

• PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of industry experience in silicon photonics design and 5+ years of electromagnetic simulation experience.
• Expertise in photonic integrated circuits, including grating couplers, waveguides, SOAs, and photodetectors.
• Experience taking silicon photonic devices from concept through commercial production with leading foundries.
• Hands-on experience with PDKs, DFM, DFT, tape-outs, optical fiber coupling, and laboratory device characterization.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, independent working, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice to have

• Experience in optical communications, quantum computing, optical computing, or augmented reality.
• Knowledge of advanced photonic integration and emerging photonics technologies.
• Experience with high-speed photonics and signal integrity in integrated systems.
• Programming or scripting experience with Python or MATLAB for design automation and analysis.
• Leadership experience or potential to build and manage a technical team.

Culture & Benefits

• Work in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary engineering environment focused on photonics and AI hardware.
• Health plan premiums are fully covered for employees and dependents, with HSA contributions.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• 401(k) matching and stock option opportunities.
• Dental, vision, life, hospital, critical illness, and accident insurance options.