NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 fueled the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI — the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a “learning machine” that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities that are hard to solve, that only we can address, and that matter to the world. This is our life’s work, to amplify human creativity and intelligence. Make the choice and join us today!
NVIDIA's Mixed-Signal Design (MSD) Photonics team is building the next generation of co-packaged optical interconnects to power the world's most advanced AI supercomputers. We are looking for a Principal Photonics IC Design Engineer to serve as the technical lead owning our photonics integrated circuit (PIC) product — from architecture definition through production tapeout and silicon validation.
What you will be doing:
Own end-to-end PIC product delivery: architecture, design, layout, DRC/LVS verification, tapeout, and post-silicon validation on advanced silicon photonics platforms
Lead cross-functional execution across photonic device, analog/mixed-signal, packaging, and systems teams
Drive tapeout schedules, define design milestones, and resolve critical path issues across multiple concurrent PIC programs
Architect optical transceiver PICs integrating modulators, photodetectors, wavelength multiplexing, waveguides, and optical couplers for high-speed and/or DWDM applications
Define and improve PIC design methodology, automation (e.g., scripted DRC, parameterized cells), and verification flows in Cadence and related EDA tools
Mentor and technically guide a team of photonics designers; set technical direction for the photonics PIC roadmap
What We Need to See:
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field with emphasis on integrated photonics, silicon photonics, or photonic device physics (or equivalent experience).
8+ years of industry experience in photonics IC design, with demonstrated progression into technical leadership roles
Deep hands-on expertise with Cadence design environment (Virtuoso, PCell development, SKILL scripting) for photonic IC layout and simulation
Proven track record of production tapeouts — you have personally driven PICs from design through GDS signoff on a foundry silicon photonics process
Strong understanding of photonic device physics: waveguides, passive/active components, ring/MZI modulators, photodetectors, optical couplers
Demonstrated technical leadership: setting project scope, making architecture tradeoffs, driving cross-team alignment, and delivering on schedule
Ways to Stand Out From the Crowd:
Experience with high-speed (>50 Gbaud) optical modulator or receiver PIC design for datacom/telecom applications
Experience with DWDM PIC architectures (MUX/DEMUX, multi-channel transceivers, wavelength tuning)
Familiarity with co-packaged optics (CPO) system requirements and advance packaging integration
Experience with photonic circuit simulation and CAD tools (Ansys Lumerical, ZeMax, Cadence, MATLAB, Python and Verilog-A) and electromagnetic solvers (FDTD, FDE, EME)
Track record of publications and/or patents in silicon photonics
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.Skills Required
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or closely related field (or equivalent experience)
- 8+ years industry experience in photonics IC design with progression into technical leadership
- Hands-on expertise with Cadence design environment (Virtuoso, PCell development, SKILL scripting) for photonic IC layout and simulation
- Proven track record of production tapeouts and driving PICs from design through GDS signoff on a foundry silicon photonics process
- Strong understanding of photonic device physics (waveguides, modulators, photodetectors, couplers, ring/MZI)
- Demonstrated technical leadership: setting project scope, architecture tradeoffs, cross-team alignment, delivering on schedule
- Experience with high-speed (>50 Gbaud) optical modulator or receiver PIC design
- Experience with DWDM PIC architectures (MUX/DEMUX, multi-channel transceivers)
- Familiarity with co-packaged optics (CPO) system requirements and advanced packaging integration
- Experience with photonic circuit simulation and CAD tools (Ansys Lumerical, Zemax, MATLAB, Python, Verilog-A) and electromagnetic solvers (FDTD, FDE, EME)
- Track record of publications and/or patents in silicon photonics
NVIDIA Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about NVIDIA and has not been reviewed or approved by NVIDIA.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity awards and a discounted ESPP are highlighted as core parts of total compensation, enabling employees to share in the company’s success. Stock-based compensation and the two-year lookback ESPP are consistently described as especially valuable.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is portrayed as robust, with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision options alongside mental health support and on-site care resources. Employer HSA contributions and wellness perks reinforce the depth of the offering.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs are depicted as strong, featuring a meaningful 401(k) match with Roth options and support for Mega Backdoor Roth contributions. These elements position long-term savings as a notable advantage of the total rewards package.
NVIDIA Insights
What We Do
NVIDIA’s invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI — the next era of computing — with the GPU acting as the brain of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world. Today, NVIDIA is increasingly known as “the AI computing company.”
