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Q.ANT develops photonic processors that compute with light instead of electrons, built on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The company is building next-generation computing technology for AI and high-performance applications.
As Senior Photonic Engineer for Modulator Design, you will own the end-to-end design of TFLN electro-optic modulators—the core building blocks of the company's PICs. These components directly determine the speed and energy efficiency of Q.ANT's products. You will serve as the technical anchor for all modulator design decisions within the PIC team, taking designs from architectural concept through electro-optical design, simulation, tape-out, and validation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conceive and design next-generation TFLN modulator architectures to meet demanding computing targets
- Execute the full modulator simulation chain: optical mode solving, RF/microwave design, and driver–modulator co-simulation
- Support tape-outs and validate designs with the characterization team, translating measurement results into design improvements
- Build reusable design building blocks such as PDK elements and parametric cells to accelerate design-to-tape-out cycles
- Address manufacturability and process variation early in the design phase, collaborating with the fabrication team
- Translate system-level specifications (bandwidth, Vπ, extinction ratio, drive architecture) into modulator design targets with Systems Engineering and Photonics teams
- Mentor junior PIC designers in modulator simulation, layout, and electro-optical co-design
- Develop and document novel modulator concepts and invention disclosures to strengthen IP
The company emphasizes self-responsibility, rapid experimentation, and professional development. You will work with a passionate, international, highly skilled cross-functional team and have access to the founders.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Master's degree or PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field
- 3+ years of experience in photonic device design, including at least 1 year designing high-speed (GHz) optical modulators in an industrial environment
- Proven track record of designing modulators that were taped out and tested
- Solid knowledge of thin-film lithium niobate device physics (Pockels effect, waveguide design, travelling-wave electrode design)
- Hands-on experience with photonic simulation tools
- Experience with RF/electromagnetic simulation
- Good understanding of RF signal integrity and electro-optical co-design, including driver/DAC interface
- Fluent English
NICE TO HAVE:
- Circuit and link co-simulation with S-parameters, eye diagrams, link budgets
- Knowledge of photonic packaging and RF interconnects (wire bonds, RF transitions)
- Patents or publications in modulator design
