Optical Design Engineer

Dream Photonics Inc.

About Us

Join us in enabling the next revolution in the semiconductor industry. For the last 50 years, electronics hardware has benefited greatly from the innovations developed by the semiconductor industry. Silicon photonics, where light is also used in conjunction with electronics in CMOS chips, will revolutionize the semiconductor industry by improving performance, miniaturizing optical assemblies, and enabling completely new applications using photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

At Dream Photonics Inc., we are on a mission to solve the PIC optical I/O bottleneck in the next generation photonics hardware used for scaling up the AI infrastructure. Based in Vancouver, BC, we design and deliver patented silicon photonics optical I/O and hybrid integration technologies that enable high-efficiency, low-loss, and reliable links for data centers and AI accelerators. As a strategic partner to leading foundries and optical interconnects innovators, our optical I/O and hybrid integration expertise helps springboard the hardware platforms needed to scale-up AI compute efficiently and sustainably. If you are a self-starter who is passionate about bridging optics and electronics to define the future of datacenters and AI infrastructure, we would love to hear from you.

Job Description: Optical Design Engineer

As an Optical Design Engineer at Dream Photonics, you will be responsible for the design, modelling and layout of our photonic optical couplers and hybrid integration technologies. You'll work hands-on with electromagnetic simulators, electro-optical test equipment, automated probe stations, tunable lasers, optical spectrum analyzers, detectors, and custom fixtures.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Design and Simulation

• Develop novel photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and devices using advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software and simulation tools (e.g., Ansys, Sylvaco, Tidy3D).
• Create detailed layouts and mask designs for fabrication, ensuring all design rules and process limitations are met.
• Perform extensive simulations to analyze device performance, including optical, electrical, and thermal properties. This includes modeling light propagation, coupling efficiencies, and dispersion characteristics.
• Collaborate with fabrication partners and foundries to prepare mask layouts and submit designs for prototyping.
• Analyze measured device performance, correlate results with simulations, and iterate designs for improved performance and yield.
• Work closely with electrical, packaging, testing, and software teams to support system-level integration.
• Automate simulation workflows and data processing using Python.
• Contribute to design documentation, reports, and technical presentations.
• Stay current with advancements in integrated photonics, packaging, and manufacturing technologies.
• Support R&D and product development activities across concept, prototype, and pilot production stages.

Technical Reporting & Documentation:

• Author and maintain detailed test plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and calibration logs to ensure reproducibility and compliance.
• Compile comprehensive technical reports and whitepapers summarizing experimental methodologies, findings, and recommendations.
• Present results and road-map proposals to internal R&D teams, external partners, and key customers.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with test and packaging teams to align on test and packaging requirements, share insights, and accelerate product iterations.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in photonic circuit or device design (academic or industry).
• Proficiency with photonic simulation and layout tools such as Ansys Lumerical (FDTD/INTERCONNECT), and KLayout.
• Solid understanding of silicon photonics or integrated optics principles, including waveguide design, coupling mechanisms, and passive device behavior.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting languages for data analysis and simulation automation.
• Understanding of fabrication design rules, mask layout, and process design kits (PDKs).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Photonics, Optoelectronics, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Physics.
• Experience designing and validating silicon photonic devices such as grating couplers, MZIs, modulators, or photonic filters.
• Hands-on experience with foundry processes (e.g., AIM, AMF, IMEC, GlobalFoundries, Tower, ANT).
• Proficiency in optical packaging or fiber-to-chip coupling (edge or surface coupling).
• Familiarity with test and characterization setups (e.g., optical spectrum analyzers, tunable lasers, power meters).
• Knowledge of photonic inverse design, machine learning for photonics, or optimization algorithms.
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and collaborative design workflows.
• Experience with co-designing photonic and electronic circuits (e.g., through photonic–electronic co-simulation).
• Proven track record of publishing or delivering products involving photonic ICs.

Team Building

Equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to our company's growth. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the BC Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

To Apply

Please upload your CV, contact information for references, and a statement of your interests  in and qualifications for this position.

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: $90,000-$120,000 CAD per year